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THE 


FREEMASON'S  MONITOR, 

OR 

ILLUSTRATIONS  OF  MASONRY, 

y 

By  THOMAS  SMITH  WEBB, 

PAST  MASTER  OF  THE  GRAND   LODGE  OF  RHODE  ISLAND. 


By   JOHN   SHERER, 


Author  and  compiler  of  the  "Masonic  Carpets  of  BlqgLodge,  Cliapter  and  Council 
Masonry,'1''  and  other  Masonic  Publications. 


^edb,  Provide' 


CINCINNATI: 

R.  W.  CARROLL  &  CO.,  PUBLISHERS, 
117  West  Fourth  Street. 
1867. 


or 


v% 


\* 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1867, 

By  JOHN  SHERER, 

In  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States,  for  the  Southern 
District  of  Ohio. 

6TEBE0TTPED    AT    THE    FBANKLIN    TYPE    FOUNDBY,    CINCINNATI. 


TO 

Albei\t    Q.     Mackey,     M.  p., 

"Past  <&.  6.  $\$  fktot,  (Enmfc  ^tgi)  $)rtt0t  anl»  ©ronfc  £eewtarp, 

Author  of  numerous  standard  works  upon  the 

Jurisprudence,  Rituals,  Philosophy  and  History 

of  Freemasonry  ; 

Whofe  labors  as  a  Pioneer  in  various  departments  of  the 


YSTIC    SpEMPXX 

have  developed  many  hidden  beauties  of  the  Art ; 

Whofe  succefs  in  completing  and  poliftiing  the  ornaments  of 

the  San&uary  has  stamped  him  as  the  Aholiab 

of  the  present  generation ; 

and  whose  genial  social  qualities  endear  him 

to  the  world-wide  Fraternity, 


%$  mcsl  mjtwtfullg  tx&  $VafemIIg  l$MtiM 


TV    ig/fief&b 


THE  AUTHOR'S  PREFACE. 


The  following  work,  although  chiefly  intended  for 
the  use  of  the  ancient  and  honorable  society  of  Free 
and  Accepted  Masons,  is  also  calculated  to  explain  the 
nature  and  design  of  the  Masonic  Institution  to  those 
who  may  be  desirous  of  becoming  acquainted  with  its 
principles,  whether  for  the  purpose  of  initiation  into 
the  society,  or  merely  for  the  gratification  of  their 
curiosity. 

The  observations  upon  the  three  first  degrees  are, 
many  of  them,  taken  from  "Preston's  Illustrations 
of  Masonry,"  with  some  necessary  alterations.  Mr. 
Preston's  distribution  of  the  first  lecture  into  six,  the 
second  into  four,  and  the  third  into  twelve  sections, 
not  being  agreeable  to  the  mode  of  working  in  America, 
they  are  differently  arranged  in  this  work. 

It  is  presumed  that  all  regular  lodges  and  Eoyal  Arch 
Chapters  will  find  this  a  useful  assistant  and  Monitor, 
inasmach  as  it  contains  most  of  the  charges,  prayers, 
and  Scripture  passages  made  use  of  at  our  meetings,  and 
which  are  not  otherwise  to  be  found  without  recourse 
to  several  volumes.    This  often  occasions  much  delay 

(3) 


4  author's  preface. 

in  the  recitals,  produces  many  irregularities  in  their 
distribution,  and  sometimes  causes  important  omissions. 
The  whole  are  here  digested  and  arranged  in  such 
order,  through  the  several  degrees,  from  the  Entered 
Apprentice  to  the  Royal  Arch  Mason,  that  they  may  be 
easily  understood;  and,  by  a  due  attention  to  their 
several  divisions,  the  mode  of  working,  as  well  in 
arrangement  as  matter,  will  become  universally  the 
same.  This  desirable  object  will  add  much  to  the 
satisfaction  and  happiness  of  all  good  Masons,  and 
redound  to  the  honor  of  the  whole  Fraternity. 


PUBLISHER'S  PREFACE. 


In  preparing  an  edition  of  "  Webb's  Freemason's 
Monitor" — the  first  Masonic  text-book  ever  published 
in  any  country  in  the  English  language  —  some 
improvements  have  been  introduced  which  will  be 
appreciated  by  the  Fraternity  at  the  present  day. 
As  early  as  1841,  and  immediately  after  my  initiation 
at  Massillon,  Ohio,  I  conceived  the  idea  of  publishing  a 
"Monitor,"  in  which  should  appear  representations  of 
the  emblems  in  juxtaposition  with  the  text  of  the 
monitorial  instructions.  This  great  improvement, 
though  now  common  to  all  Masonic  text-books,  had 
not  then  occurred  to  any  one — the  conception  being 
strictly  my  own.  It  was  eagerly  caught  at,  however, 
by  some  parties  to  whom  I  communicated  it,  and 
introduced  in  the  publication  of  every  Masonic  hand- 
book which  has  been  issued  from  the  press  for  the  past 
twenty  years.     This  improvement,  together  with  notes 

explanatory  of  the  text  of  the  1816  edition  of  Webb's 

(5) 


6  publisher's  preface. 

Monitor,  I  have  introduced  in  the  present  edition. 
Otherwise,  it  is  a  perfect  copy  of  the  language  of  that 
edition,  acknowleged  by  Webb  himself  to  be  the  most 
complete  of  any  edition  of  his  work. 

JOHN  SHEEBK. 
Cincinnati,  O.,  1866. 


INDEX 


Advantages,  general,  of  Masonry 1 

Advancing,  the  manner  of. 75 

Acknowledging,  the  manner  of. 115 

Anointing,  the  manner  of. 141 

Ceremony,  opening  and  closing  Lodge 10 

Charges,  Ancient 310 

Charges  at  Initiation 36 

"        at  Passing .' , 58 

"       at  Kaising 72 

"       to  a  Mark  Master 79 

«       to  a  Past  Master 98 

u       to  a  Most  Excellent  Master 119 

"       to  a  Royal  Arch  Mason 136 

«       to  a  High  Priest 158 

«       to  a  Select  Master 167 

"        to  a  Knight  Templar 192 

Creating,  the  manner  of. 171 

Corner-stones,  planting  of. 102 

Covenant  of  a  Past  Master 92 

Discipline  of  Masonry  confined  to  Third  Degree 3 

Dead,  the  burial  of. 108 

Deacons,  Covenant  of. 97 

Entered  Apprentice,  Degree  of. 14 

Exalting,  the  manner  of 121 

(xv) 


XVI  INDEX. 

mm 
Fellow  Craft,  Degree  of. , 88 

Geometry  and  Masonry  anciently  synonymous  terms 1 

Government  of  Masonry 3 

Halls,  dedication  of 106 

High  Priesthood,  Order  of 139 

Initiation,  the  manner  of. 14 

Inducting,  the  manner  of. 84 

Knighthood,  Orders  of 169 

"  History  of 180 

Knights  of  the  Red  Cross,  Order  of 169 

Knights  Templar,  Order  of 180 

Knights  of  Malta,  Order  of ~ 191 

Library,  Universal  Masonry 4 

Landmarks,  Seventeen 7 

Lodge,  opening  and  closing 10 

Masonry  and  Geometry,  anciently  synonymous  terms 1 

"       Condition  of,  in  United  States,  1858 2 

"       Government  of,  Explained 3 

11       Discipline  of,  confined  to  Third  Degree 3 

"       Secrets  of,  Important.  6 

"       Seventeen  Landmarks  of 7 

«       Symbolical 14 

"       Capitular 73 

"       Cryptic 161 

"       Chivalric... 169 

Master,  Covenant  of 92 

Music,  with  Mark  Masters'  Ode 82 

»  «     Installation  Ode 101 

"         «     Most  Excellent  Masters'  Ode 117 


INDEX.  XV11 

PAGB 

Music  with  Knights  Templar  Ode 189 

Master  Mason,  Degree  of. .'. 60 

Mark  Master,  Degree  of. 75 

Most  Excellent  Master,  Degree  of. 115 

Origin  of  Masonry 1 

Officers  should  be  well  instructed 7 

Obsequies,  Masonic 108 

Ode,  Mark  Masters' 82 

«      Installation  Lodge  Officers' 101 

"      Most  Excellent  Master 117 

"      Knights  Templar 189 

Prayers,  closing  Lodge 13 

"        Initiation 16 

"        Raising 63 

"        Exaltation 124 

"        Anointing 144 

Passing,  the  manner  of. 38 

Processions  at  planting  corner-stones 102 

"            at  dedicating  Halls 105 

"            at  obsequies Ill 

"            at  dedicating  Chapters 143 

Past  Master,  Degree  of 83 

Raising,  the  manner  of. 60 

Royal  Arch,  Degree  of 121 

Royal  Master,  Degree  of. 163 

Secrecy,  Importance  of 5 

Secrecy,  the  Lodge  work  is 9 

Select  Master,  Degree  of. 165 

Scripture  Readings,  Entered  Apprentice n 20 

"  "  Master  Mason 61 

2 


XV1U  INDEX. 

paoi 
Scripture  Headings,  Mark  Master .75,  77,  79 

11  «           Most  Excellent  Master 116 

"  "           Royal  Arch 122,  125 

"  "           High  Priest 141 

"  "           Royal  Master 163 

"  "           Select  Master 165 

«  "           Knight  of  the  Red  Cross 171 

u  "           Knight  Templar 186 

"  "           Knight  of  Malta 191 

Secretary,  Covenant  of 97 

Treasurer,  Covenant  of 97 

United  States,   condition  of  Masonry  in  1858,  in  the 2 

Warden,  Senior,  Covenant  of 95 

"        Junior,  Covenant  of 99 


FREEMASON'S  MONITOR. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ORIGIN  OP  MASONRY  AND  ITS  GENERAL  ADVANTAGES.* 

^rom  the  commencement  of  the  world,  we  may  trace  the 
foundation  of  Masonry. f  Ever  since  symmetry  began,  and 
harmony  displayed  her  charms,  our  Order  has  had  a  being. 
During  many  ages,  and  in  many  different  countries,  it  has 
flourished.  In  the  dark  periods  of  antiquity,  when  literature 
was  in  a  low  state,  and  the  rude  manners  of  our  forefathers 
withheld  from  them  that  knowledge  we  now  so  amply  share, 
Masonry  diffused  its  influence.  This  science  unvailed,  arts 
arose,  civilization  took  place,  and  the  progress  of  knowledge 
and  philosophy  gradually  dispelled  the  gloom  of  ignorance 
and  barbarism.  Government  being  settled,  authority  was 
given  to  laws,  and  the  assemblies  of  the  Fraternity  acquired 
the  patronage  of  the  great  and  the  good,  while  the  tenets  of 
the  profession  were  attended  with  unbounded  utility.1 

1  For  ample  proof  of  the  antiquity  of  Masonry,  that  necessary  founda- 
tion of  its  universality  and  unchangeabiliiy,  see  the  writings  of  George 
Oliver,  D.  D.,  whose  investigations#  under  this  head  embrace  the  entire 
range  of  history,  ancient  and  modern.  A  belief  in  the  antiquity  of 
Masonry  is  the  first  requisite  of  a  good  teacher.     Upon  this  all  the 


*The  larger  type  is  the  text,  as  found  in  the  original  Monitor;  the  notes  in  the 
margin  are  Mr.  Morris',  unless  otherwise  marked. 
|  Masonry  and  Geometry  are  sometimes  used  as  synonymous  terms. — Webb, 


2  ORIGIN  AND  ADVANTAGES   OF   MASONRY. 

Masonry  is  a  science  confined  to  no  particular  country,  but 
diffused  over  the  whole  terrestrial  globe.  Wherever  arts 
flourish,  there  it  flourishes  too.  Add  to  this,  that  by  secret 
and  inviolable  signs,  carefully  preserved  among  the  Fraternity 
throughout  the  world,  Masonry  becomes  a  universal  language. 
Hence  many  advantages  are  gained  :  the  distant  Chinese,  the 
wild  Arab,  and  the  American  savage,  will  embrace  a  brother 
Briton,  Frank  or  German  ;  and  will  know,  that  beside  the 
common  ties  of  humanity,  there  is  still  a  stronger  obligation 
to  induce  him  to  kind  and  friendly  offices.  The  spirit  of  the 
fulminating  priest  will  be  tamed  j  and  a  moral  brother,  though 
of  a  different  persuasion,  engage  his  esteem.  Thus,  through 
the  influence  of  Masonry,  which  is  reconcilable  to  the  best 
policy,  all  those  disputes  which  imbitter  life  and  sour  the 
tempers  of  men  are  avoided  ;  while  the  common  good,  the 
general  design  of  the  Craft,  is  zealously  pursued.1 

From  this  view  of  the  system,  its  utility  must  be  sufficiently 

legends  of  the  Order  are  based.  The  dignity  of  the  institution  depends 
mainly  upon  its  age,  and  to  disguise  its  gray  hairs  is  to  expose  it  to  a 
contemptuous  comparison  with  every  society  of  modern  date. 

'In  the  United  States,  there  are  at  this  time  (1859)  37  Grand  Lodges, 
viz:  Alabama,  Arkansas,  California.  Connecticut.  Delaware,  District  of 
Columbia,  Florida,  Georgia,  Illinois,  Indiana,  Iowa,  Kansas,  Kentucky, 
Louisiana,  Maine,  Maryland,  Massachusetts,  Michigan,  Minnesota,  Mis- 
sissippi, Missouri,  Nebraska,  New  Hampshire,  New  Jersey,  New  York, 
North  Carolina,  Ohio.  Oregon,  Pennsylvania,  Rhode  Island,  South  Car- 
olina, Tennessee,  Texas,  Vermont,  Virginia,  Wisconsin,  and  Washington 
Territory.  The  aggregate  number  of  Subordinate  Lodges  working 
under  these  is  about  4,800,  having  a  membership  in  gross  of  202,000 
Master  Masons.  It  is  demonstrable  that  the  United  States  has  more 
Lodges  and  Masons  than  the  whole  of  the  world  beside. 

"  Lo,  what  a  goodly  heritage, 
The  Lord  to  us  hath  given  !  " 

Each  symbolic  degree  has,  at  least,  one  sign  that  is  universal.  The 
tokenb  and  words,  there  is  reason  to  believe,  are  universal. 

The  every-day  experience  of  the  Masonic  reader  will  justify  the  above 
exhibit  of  the  influence  of  Masonic  principles  upon  the  brotherhoood. 


GOVERNMENT   OF   THE   FRATERNITY   EXPLAINED.  3 

obvious.  The  universal  principles  of  the  art  unite  men  of 
the  most  opposite  tenets,  of  the  most  distant  countries,  and 
of  the  most  contradictory  opinions,  in  one  indissoluble  bond 
of  affection,  so  that  in  every  nation  a  Mason  finds  a  friend, 
and  in  every  climate  a  home.1 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE  FRATERNITY  EXPLAINED. 

The  mode  of  government  observed  by  the  Fraternity  will 
best  explain  the  importance,  and  give  the  truest  idea  of  the 
nature  and  design  of  the  Masonic  system. 

There  are  several  classes  of  Masons,  under  different  appel- 
lations. The  privileges  of  these  classes  are  distinct,  and  par- 
ticular means  are  adopted  to  preserve  those  privileges  to  the 
just  and  meritorious  of  each  class.2 

>  This  paragraph  demands  an  explanation.  "The  most  opposite 
tenets,"  and  "the  most  contradictory  opinions,"  must  be  harmonized  on 
the  broad  basis  of  The  Ancient  Charges  of  Masonry,  else  Freemasonry  as 
such  could  not  exist.  The  belief  and  trust  in  one  God,  and  in  a  Divine 
Revelation,  and  obedience  to  the  Ten  Commandments  of  Sinai,  are 
essentials,  opposed  to  which  nothing  "opposite"  nor  "contradictory" 
can  be  tolerated.  No  man  was  more  strenuous  in  maintaining  this  view 
of  Masonic  conformity  in  practice  than  Webb  himself. 

3  In  general  practice,  there  is  no  Masonic  discipline,  as  such,  beyond 
the  third  degree.  It  is  in  the  symbolic  Lodge,  which  consists  of  only 
three  degrees,  that  every  Mason  is  initiated,  passed  and  raised,  affilia- 
ted, or  demitted,  tried,  punished,  restored,  or  acquitted,  enlightened, 
relieved  or  interred.  Masonic  edifices  are  underlaid  and  dedicated 
only  by  symbolic  Lodges.  The  honor  of  the  Fraternity  is  maintained, 
its  actual  standing  is  presented  before  the  world,  its  awards  and  pun- 
ishments published,  only  by  symbolic  Lodges.  It  would  comport  better 
with  the  real  purposes  of  Masonry,  if  more  attention  were  paid  to  this 
department  and  less  to  the  so-called  higher  degrees. 


4  GOVERNMENT  OF  THE   FRATERNITY  EXPLAINED. 

Honor  and  probity  are  recommendations  to  the  first  class; 
in  which  the  practice  of  virtue  is  enforced,  and  the  duties  of 
morality  inculcated,  while  the  mind  is  prepared  for  regular 
and  social  converse  in  the  principles  of  knowledge  and  phi- 
losophy. 

Diligence,  assiduity,  and  application  are  qualifications  for 
the  second  class ;  in  which  an  accurate  elucidation  of  science, 
both  in  theory  and  practice,  is  given.  Here  human  reason  i3 
cultivated  by  a  due  exertion  of  the  rational  and  intellectual 
powers  and  faculties;  nice  and  difficult  theories  are  explained; 
new  discoveries  produced,  and  those  already  known  beauti- 
fully embellished.1 

The  third  class  is  composed  of  those  whom  truth  and  fidel- 
ity have  distinguished ;  who,  when  assaulted  by  threats  and 
violence,  after  solicitation  and  persuasion  have  failed,  have 
evinced  their  firmness  and  integrity  in  preserving  inviolate 
the  mysteries  of  the  Order.2 

The  fourth  class  consists  of  those  who  have  perseveringly 
studied  the  scientific  branches  of  the  art,  and  exhibited  proof 
of  their  skill  and  acquirements,  and  who  have  consequently 
obtained  the  honor  of  this  degree,  as  a  reward  of  merit.3 

The  fifth  class  consists  of  those  who,  having  acquired  a  pro- 
ficiency of  knowledge  to  become  teachers,  have  been  elected 
to  preside  over  regularly  constituted  bodies  of  Masons. 

1  It  is  for  this  class  that  zealous  men,  during  the  past  one  hundred 
years,  have  provided  such  ample  means  of  Masonic  instruction.  The 
publication  of  The  Universal  Masonic  Library,  embracing  53  distinct 
■works,  in  30  volumes,  upon  the  History,  Philosophy,  and  Jurisprudence 
of  Freemasonry,  has  left  nothing  wanting  that  can  enlighten  and 
perfect  the  aspiring  Fellow-craft. 

2  The  government  of  the  Lodge,  the  dispensing  its  charities,  and  the 
selection  of  materials  for  its  increase,  are  left  by  general  usage,  in  the 
United  States,  to  the  Masons  of  the  third  class,  as  before  remarked. 

3  Hence  the  appellation  "  the  more  honorable  degree"  of  Mark  Master, 
as  seen  in  the  Diplomas  and  Certificates  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry 
This  and  the  subsequent  degrees,  however,  are  modern, 


THE  IMPORTANCE  OF  SECRECY.  5 

The  sixth  class  consists  of  those  who,  having  discharged 
the  duties  of  the  chair  with  honor  and  reputation,  are 
acknowledged  and  recorded  as  Most  Excellent  Masters. 

The  seventh  class  consists  of  a  select  few  whom  years  and 
experience  have  improved,  and  whom  merit  and  abilities  have 
entitled  to  preferment.  With  this  class  the  ancient  land- 
marks of  the  Order  are  preserved ;  and  from  them  we  learn 
and  practice  the  necessary  and  instructive  lessons,  which  at 
once  dignify  the  art,  and  qualify  its  professors  to  illustrate  its 
excellence  and  utility. 

This  is  the  established  mode  of  the  Masonic  government, 
when  the  rules  of  the  system  are  observed.  By  this  judicious 
arrangement,  true  friendship  is  cultivated  among  different 
ranks  and  degrees  of  men,  hospitality  promoted,  industry 
rewarded,  and  ingenuity  encouraged.1 


CHAPTER  III. 

THE  IMPORTANCE  OP  THE  SECRETS  OP  MASONRY  DEMON- 
STRATED. 

If  the  secrets  of  Masonry  are  replete  with  such  advantages 
to  mankind,  it  may  be  asked,  Why  are  they  not  divulged  for 
the  general  good  of  society  ?  To  which  it  may  be  answered, 
Were  the  privileges  of  Masonry  to  be  indiscriminately  be- 
stowed, the  design  of  the  institution  would  be  subverted,  and, 
being  familiar,  like  many  other  important  matters,  would  soon 
lose  their  value,  and  sink  into  disregard.2 

1  This  is  according  to  the  American  System.  In  other  countries  the 
degree  of  Royal  Arch  is  communicated  without  the  intermediate 
degrees  of  Mark  Master  and  Most  Excellent  Master.  All  the  degrees 
of  the  Chapter  here  named  are  intensely  Americanized. 

3  A  better  reason  than  this  is,  that  we,  as  Masons,  have  received  them 


6  THE  IMPORTANCE  OF  SECRECY. 

It  is  a  weakness  in  human  nature,  that  men  are  generally 
more  charmed  with  novelty,  than  the  real  worth  or  intrinsic 
value  of  things.  Novelty  influences  all  our  actions  and  de- 
terminations. What  is  new,  or  difficult  in  the  acquisition, 
however  trifling  or  insignificant,  readily  captivates  the  imag- 
ination, and  insures  a  temporary  admiration;  while  what  is 
familiar,  or  easily  obtained,  however  noble  and  eminent  for 
its  utility,  is  sure  to  be  disregarded  by  the  giddy  and  un- 
thinking. 

Did  the  particular  secrets  or  peculiar  forms  prevalent 
among  Masons  constitute  the  essence  of  the  art,  it  might  be 
alleged  that  our  amusements  were  trifling,  and  our  ceremonies 
superficial.  But  this  is  not  the  case.  Having  their  use,  they 
are  preserved ;  and  from  the  recollection  of  the  lessons 
they  inculcate,  the  well-informed  Mason  derives  instruction. 
Drawing  them  to  a  near  inspection,  he  views  them  through 
a  proper  medium  ;  adverts  to  the  circumstances  which  gave 
them  rise  ;  dwells  upon  the  tenets  they  convey ;  and,  finding 
them  replete  with  useful  information,  adopts  them  as  keys  to 
the  privileges  of  his  art,  and  prizes  them  as  sacred.  Thus 
convinced  of  their  propriety,  he  estimates  the  value  from 
their  utility.1 

Many  persons  are  deluded  by  their  vague  supposition  that 

under  a  binding  pledge  to  preserve  them  as  secrets  from  the  world,  and 
can  not,  short  of  the  most  horrible  falsehood,  violate  our  covenant.  This 
is  well  understood  by  the  community  at  large,  who  stamped  the  seal  of 
perjury  so  deeply  into  the  forehead  of  those  who,  in  the  last  generation, 
pretended  to  expose  our  mysteries  to  the  world,  that  but  few  r>f  them 
ever  recovered  from  the  disgrace. 

i  The  "  particular  secrets  or  peculiar  forms  "  taught  by  Webb  up  to 
the  period  of  his  death  as  the  Rituals  of  Freemasonry,  are  yet  accurately 
preserved  by  many  of  the  old  Masons  of  New  England  and  elsewhere. 
The  compiler  of  this  edition  has  received  them  from  various  persons  in 
Massachusetts,  Rhode  Island,  Vermont,  etc.,  and  has  found  them  in  the 
maiD,  uniform  and  consistent.  The  changes  made  by  Masonic  lectiwwi 
Subsequently  to  1819,  have  not  been  for  the  better. 


THE  IMPORTANCE  OE  SECRECY.  7 

our  mysteries  are  merely  nominal ;  that  the  practices  estab- 
lished among  us  are  frivolous;  and  that  our  ceremoniss  might 
be  adopted,  or  waived,  at  pleasure.  On  this  false  foundation, 
we  have  found  them  hurrying  through  all  the  degrees,  without 
adverting  to  the  propriety  of  one  step  they  pursue,  or  possess- 
ing a  single  qualification  requisite  for  advancement.  Passing 
through  the  usual  formalities,  they  have  accepted  offices  and 
assumed  the  government  of  Lodges,  equally  unacquainted  with 
the  rules  of  the  institution  they  pretended  to  support,  or  the 
nature  of  the  trust  reposed  in  them.  The  consequence  is 
obvious ;  wherever  such  practices  have  been  allowed,  anarchy 
and  confusion  have  ensued,  and  the  substance  has  been  lost 
in  the  shadow.1 

Were  the  brethren  who  preside  over  Lodges  properly  in- 
structed previous  to  their  appointment,  and  regularly  apprised 
of  the  importance  of  their  respective  offices,  a  general  refor- 
mation would  speedily  take  place.  This  would  evince  the 
propriety  of  our  mode  of  government,  and  lead  men  to  ac- 
knowledge that  our  honors  were  deservedly  conferred.  The 
ancient  consequence  of  the  Order  would  be  restored,  and  the 
reputation  of  the  society  preserved.2 

1  This  grievous  fault,  as  common  at  the  present  day  as  in  1797,  is 
chargeable  upon  the  Masters  of  Lodges,  and  can  not  justly  be  imputed 
to  the  candidates  themselves.  If  the  blind  lead  the  blind,  what  other 
results  can  be  anticipated  ! 

2  A  careful  study  of  the  ancient  laws  of  the  Institution  develops 
seventeen  main  principles,  or  landmarks,  which  the  intelligent  officer 
of  the  Lodge  should  commit  to  memory.  They  are  as  follows :  1,  The 
Masonic  landmarks  are  unchangeable,  and  imperative.  2,  Masonry  is 
a  system  teaching,  symbolically,  piety,  morality,  science,  charity,  and 
self-discipline.  3,  The  law  of  God  is  the  rule  and  limit  of  Masonry. 
4,  The  Civil  law,  so  far  as  it  accords  with  the  Divine,  is  obligatory 
upon  Masons.  5,  The  Masonic  Lodge,  and  the  Masonic  Institution, 
are  one  and  indivisible.  6,  Masonic  qualifications  regard  the  mental, 
moral,  and  physical  nature  of  man.  7,  Personal  worth  and  merit  are 
the  basis  of  official  worth  and  merit.     8,  The  official  duties  of  Masonry 


5  GENERAL   REMARKS. 

Such  conduct  alone  can  support  our  character.  Unless 
prudent  actions  shall  distinguish  our  title  to  the  honors  of 
Masonry,  and  regular  deportment  display  the  influence  and 
utility  of  our  rules,  the  world  in  general  will  not  easily  be 
led  to  reconcile  our  proceedings  with  the  tenets  of  our  pro- 
fession. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

GENERAL     REMARKS. 

Masonry  is  an  art  equally  useful  and  extensive.  In 
every  art  there  is  a  mystery,  which  requires  a  gradual  pro- 
gression of  knowledge  to  arrive  at  any  degree  of  perfection 
in  it.  Without  much  instruction,  and  more  exercise,  no  man 
can  be  skillful  in  any  art:  in  like  manner,  without  an  assidu- 
ous application  to  the  various  subjects  treated  of  in  the  dif- 
ferent lectures  of  Masonry,  no  person  can  be  sufficiently 
acquainted  with  its  true  value.1 

are  esoteric.  9,  The  selection  of  Masonic  material,  and  the  general 
labors  of  the  Masonic  Craft  are  exoteric.  10,  The  honors  o(  Masonry 
are  the  gratitude  of  the  Craft,  and  the  approval  of  God.  11,  Masonic 
promotion,  both  official  and  private,  is  by  grades.  12,  The  Grand  Mas- 
ter may  have  a  deputy.  13,  The  head  of  the  Lodge  is  the  Master  duly 
elected  by  the  Craft.  14,  The  medium  of  communication  between  the 
head  and  the  body  of  the  Lodge,  is  the  Wardens.  15,  Obedience  to  the 
Master  and  Wardens  is  obligatory  upon  the  members.  16,  Secrecy  is 
an  indispensable  element  of  Masonry.  17,  The  Grand  Lodge  is  supreme, 
and  controls  both  the  Subordinate  Lodges  and  individual  Masons,  in 
its  own  sphere  of  jurisdiction,  but  always  subject  to  the  ancient  land- 
marks. 

1  This  sentiment  is  a  severe  rebuke  upon  those  who  declaim  against 
all  written  publications  as  innovations,  and  denounce  the  study  of  Ma- 
sonry as  an  unlawful  thing.  Without  much  instruction,  and  more  exer- 
cise, no  person  can  possibly  appreciate  the  wisdom,  strength,  and  beauty 
of  Freemasonry. 


GENERAL   REMARKS.  9 

It  must  not,  however,  be  inferred  from  this  remark,  that 
persons  who  labor  under  the  disadvantages  of  a  confined  edu- 
cation, or  whose  sphere  of  life  requires  a  more  intense  appli- 
cation to  business  or  study,  are  to  be  discouraged  in  their 
endeavors  to  gain  a  knowledge  of  Masonry.1 

To  qualify  an  individual  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  the  society 
at  large,  or  to  partake  of  its  privileges,  it  is  not  absolutely 
necessary  that  he  should  be  acquainted  with  all  the  intricate 
parts  of  the  science.  These  are  only  intended  for  the  dili- 
gent and  assiduous  Mason,  who  may  have  leisure  and  oppor- 
tunity to  indulge  such  pursuits. 

Though  some  are  more  able  than  others,  some  more  emi- 
nent, some  more  useful,  yet  all,  in  their  different  spheres, 
may  prove  advantageous  to  the  community.  As  the  nature 
of  every  man's  profession  will  not  admit  of  that  leisure  which 
is  necessary  to  qualify  him  to  become  an  expert  Mason,  it  is 
highly  proper  that  the  official  duties  of  a  Lodge  should  be 
executed  by  persons  whose  education  and  situation  in  life 
enable  them  to  become  adepts ;  as  it  must  be  allowed,  that  all 
who  accept  offices,  and  exercise  authority,  should  be  properly 
qualified  to  discharge  the  task  assigned  them,  with  honor  to 
themselves,  and  credit  to  their  sundry  stations. 

I  The  peculiarly  difficult  manner  in  which  the  essential  secrets  of 
Masonry  are  necessarily  communicated  to  the  American  brethren,  ren- 
ders it  a  matter  of  time  as  well  as  labor,  to  acquire  them.  No  such 
auxiliaries  as  go  to  the  acquisition  of  other  sciences  are  permitted  here ; 
frequent  rehearsals  impressing  retentive  memories,  form  the  only  road 
to  this  learning.  It  is  not  strange,  therefore,  that  we  have  few  pro- 
ficients. 


OPENING   AND    CLOSING   THE   LODGE. 


CHAPTER  V. 

THE   CEREMQNY    OF   OPENING   AND   CLOSING   A   LODGE. 

In  all  regular  assemblies  of  men,  who  are  convened  for 
wise  and  useful  purposes,  the  commencement  and  conclusion 
of  business  are  accompanied  with  some  form.  In  every 
country  of  the  world  the  practice  prevails,  and  is  deemed 
essential.  From  the  remote  periods  of  antiquity  it  may  be 
traced,  and  the  refined  improvements  of  modern  times  have 
not  totally  abolished  it. 

Ceremonies,  when  simply  considered,  it  is  true,  are  little 
more  than  visionary  delusions ;  but  their  effects  are  some- 
times important.  When  they  impress  awe  and  reverence  on 
the  mind,  and  engage  the  attention  by  external  attraction,  to 
solemn  rites,  they  are  interesting  objects.  These  purposes 
are  effected  by  judicious  ceremonies,  when  regularly  con- 
ducted and  properly  arranged.  On  this  ground  they  have 
received  the  sanction  of  the  wisest  men  in  all  ages,  and  con- 
sequently could  not  escape  the  notice  of  Masons.  To  begin 
well,  is  the  most  likely  means  to  end  well ;  and  it  is  judi- 
ciously remarked,  that  when  order  and  method  are  neglected 
at  the  beginning,  they  will  be  seldom  found  to  take  place  at 
the  end.1 

The  ceremony  of  opening  and  closing  a  Lodge  with  solem- 
nity and  decorum,  is,  therefore,  universally  admitted  among 
Masons ;    and  though  the  mode  in  some  Lodges  may  vary, 

i  At  every  stated  meeting,  the  Lodge  should  be  thoroughly  instructed 
in  the  ceremony  of  opening,  as  this  embraces  the  whole  art  of  preserv- 
ing the  essential  secrecy  of  the  Craft,  the  duties  and  stations  of  officers, 
the  appeal  to  Deity  for  grace  and  strength,  and  the  unchangeable  means 
of  Masonic  recognition. 


OPENING   AND   CLOSING  THE  LODGE.  11 

and  in  every  degree  must  vary,  still  a  uniformity  in  the  gen- 
eral practice  prevails  in  every  Lodge ;  and  the  variation  is 
solely  occasioned  by  a  want  of  method,  which  a  little  applica- 
tion might  easily  remove.1 

To  conduct  this  ceremony  with  propriety  ought  to  'he  the 
peculiar  study  of  every  Mason,  especially  of  those  who  have 
the  honor  to  rule  in  our  assemblies.  To  persons  who  are 
thus  dignified,  every  eye  is  naturally  directed  for  propriety 
of  conduct  and  behavior;  and  from  them,  other  brethren, 
who  are  less  informed,  will  naturally  expect  to  derive  an 
example  worthy  of  imitation.2 

From  a  share  in  this  ceremony  no  Mason  can  be  exempted. 
It  is  a  general  concern,  in  which  all  must  assist.  This  is  the 
first  request  of  the  Master,  and  the  prelude  to  all  business. 
No  sooner  has  it  been  signified,  than  every  officer  repairs  to 
his  station,  and  the  brethren  rank  according  to  their  degrees. 
The  intent  of  the  meeting  becomes  the  sole  object  of  atten- 
tion, and  the  mind  is  insensibly  drawn  from  those  indiscrim- 
inate subjects  of  conversation  which  are  apt  to  intrude  on 
our  less  serious  moments. 

This  effect  accomplished,  our  care  is  directed  to  the  external 
avenues  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  proper  officers,  whose  province 
it  is  to  discharge  that  duty,  execute  their  trust  with  fidelity, 
and  by  certain  mystic  forms  of  no  recent  date,  intimate  that 
vie  may  safely  proceed.  To  detect  impostors  among  ourselves, 
an  adherence  to  order  in  the  character  of  Masons  ensues,  and 
the  Ljdge  is  either  opened  or  closed  in  solemn  form.8 

i  In  the  numerous  Lodges  I  have  visited,  I  have  found  the  variation 
to  consist  chiefly  in  the  different  amount  of  ceremony  and  lecture  re- 
hearsed. In  some  the  ceremony  is  deprived  of  all  its  vitality,  in  others 
it  is  made  full  and  explicit,  while  the  great  mass  of  Lodges  vary  be- 
tween these  extremes. 

2  It  is  comparatively  easy  to  confer  a  degree,  but  few  can  open  and 
close  a  Lodge  with  dignity  and  propriety.  Years  of  study  and  experi- 
ence go  to  make  one  proficient  in  this  desirable  art. 

3  By  the  best  and  general  usage  in  the  United  States,  this  order  is 


12  OPENING   AND   CLOSING   THE   LODGE. 

At  opening  the  Lodge,  two  purposes  are  wisely  effected : 
the  Master  is  reminded  of  the  dignity  of  his  character,  and 
the  brethren  of  the  homage  and  veneration  due  from  them 
in  their  sundry  stations.  These  are  not  the  only  advantages 
resulting  from  a  due  observance  of  this  ceremony ;  a  rever- 
ential awe  for  the  Deity  is  inculcated,  and  the  eye  fixed  on 
that  object,  from  whose  radiant  beams  light  only  can  be 
derived.  Here  we  are  taught  to  adore  the  God  of  heaven, 
and  to  supplicate  his  protection  on  our  well-meant  endeavors. 
The  Master  assumes  his  government  in  due  form,  and  under 
him  his  Wardens;  who  accept  their  trust,  after  the  customary 
salutations.  The  brethren  then,  with  one  accord,  unite  in 
duty  and  respect,  and  the  ceremony  concludes. 

PRAYER    AT    OPENING. 

-  Supreme  source  of  all  wisdom,  truth,  and  love,  look  graciously 
down  upon  thy  people  here  assembled  to  pursue  the  peaceful 
avocations  of  Masonry,  and  grant  us  at  this  time  a  double  portion 
of  thy  grace,  that  we  may  give  higher  honor  to  thy  holy  name, 
and  more  lovingly  aid  each  other  through  the  journey  of  life. 
Impress  upon  our  hearts  the  shortness  of  time,  the  nearness  of 
death,  and  the  vastness  of  the  work  we  are  summoned  here  to  do; 
that  with  freedom,  fervency  and  zeal,  we  may  serve  thee;  with 
brotherly  love,  relief,  and  truth,  we  may  honor  thee,  and  so,  at 
last,  be  found  fitted  as  living  stones  for  the  House  not  made  with 
hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens.  Amen. 
Response. — So  mote  it  be  1 

Any  of  the  Odes  used  in  conferring  the  three  symbolical 
degrees,  are  appropriate  to  be  sung  in  opening  the  Lodge. 

At  closing  the  Lodge,  a  similar  form  takes  place.  Here 
the  less  important  duties  of  Masonry  are  not  passed  over 
unobserved.  The  necessary  degrees  of  subordination  in  the 
government  of  a  Lodge  is  peculiarly  marked,  while  the  proper 
tribute  of  gratitude  is  offered  up  to  the  beneficent  Author  of 
life,  and  his  blessing  invoked  and  extended  to  the  whole 
fraternity.     Each  brother  faithfully  locks  up  the  treasure  he 

reversed.     The  Lodge  is  first  congregated,  then  purged,  tyled,   lectured, 
and  opened. 


OPENING   AND   CLOSING   THE   LODGE.  13 

has  acquired,  in  his  own  secret  repository ;  and,  pleased  with 
his  reward,  retires  to  enjoy  and  disseminate,  among  the  private 
circle  of  his  brethren,  the  fruits  of  his  labor  and  industry  in 
the  Lodge. 

INVOCATION    AT    CLOSING. 

Now  may  the  blessing  of  Heaven  rest  upon  us  and  all  regular 
Masons!  may  Brotherly  love  prevail,  and  every  moral  and  social 
virtue  cement  us.     Amen. 

Response. — So  mote  it  be! 

For  odes  suitable  to  closing,  see  pages  9  to  12,  in  the  col- 
lection of  Odes  at  the  end. 

A  rehearsal  of  the  Ancient  Charges  properly  succeeds  the 
opening,  and  precedes  the  closing  of  a  Lodge.  This  was  the 
constant  practice  of  our  ancient  brethren,  and  ought  never 
to  be  neglected  in  our  regular  assemblies.  A  recapitulation 
of  our  duty  can  not  be  disagreeable  to  those  who  are  ac- 
quainted with  it;  and  to  those  who  know  it  not,  should  any 
such  be,  it  must  be  highly  proper  to  recommend  it.1 

These  are  faint  outlines  of  a  ceremony  which  universally 
prevails  among  Masons  in  every  country,  and  distinguishes 
all  their  meetings.  It  is  arranged  as  a  general  section  in 
every  degree,  and  takes  the  lead  in  all  our  illustrations.2 

1  The  Synopsis  of  the  Ancient  Charges,  introduced  here  by  Webb,  is  so 
abbreviated  and  imperfect  that  it  is  thought  better  to  insert  the  whole, 
unabridged,  and  we  have  done  so  in  the  Appendix.  All  questions  upon 
Masonic  Law  must  be  referred,  as  a  last  resort,  to  these  Ancient  Charges. 
A  mere  skeleton  of  a  document,  not  in  itself  very  lengthy,  does  not, 
therefore,  answer  the  purpose  Webb  had  in  view,  nor  would  it  serve  as 
a  standard,  so  necessary  in  this  inquiring  age,  for  the  settlement  of 
the  numerous  mooted  questions  that  arise  in  the  workings  of  every  Lodge. 

2  The  best  usage  at  stated  meetings  is  to  open  the  three  Lodges  in 
regular  order,  commencing  with  the  lowest.  No  abbreviating  or  slur- 
ring over  the  ceremonies  should  be  allowed,  but  every  response  given 
and  every  ceremony  performed  with  plodding  exactness.  The  closing 
may  be  more  brief. 

The  work  of  the  Lodge  in  each  degree  is  a  portion  of  the  secrets  of 
Masonry. 


14  PRE-REQUISITES  FOR   A  CANDIDATE. 


CHAPTEK  VI. 

PRE-REQUISITES  FOR  A  CANDIDATE. 

By  a  late  regulation,  adopted  by  most  of  the  Grand 
Lodges  in  America,  no  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of 
Masonry  can  be  initiated  without  having  been  proposed  at 
a  previous  meeting  of  the  lodge;  in  order  that  no  one  may 
be  introduced  without  due  inquiry  relative  to  his  character 
and  qualifications.1 

All  applications  for  initiation  should  be  made  by  petition 
in  writing,  signed  by  the  applicant,  giving  an  account  of  his 
age,  quality,  occupation,  and  place  of  residence,  and  that  he 
is  desirous  of  being  admitted  a  member  of  the  fraternity; 
which  petition  should  be  kept  on  file  by  the  Secretary. 

At  called  meetings  those  Lodges  only  are  opened  in  which  the  busi- 
ness of  the  meeting  is  to  be  performed. 

No  Lodge  can  be  regularly  opened  or  closed  without  religious  ser- 
vices of  some  sort.  The  general  usage  is  for  the  Master  to  call  upon 
brethren  gifted  in  prayer  to  make  supplication  to  the  Divine  Throne. 
In  very  many  Lodges,  opening  and  closing  Odes  are  likewise  sung. 
[See  Appendix.) 

1  This  is  so  far  from  being  a  late  regulation  that  it  is  a  portion  of  the 
oldest  Masonic  statutes  ever  brought  to  America:  viz.,  in  1773,  at  the 
establishment  of  the  first  lodge  in  Boston,  Massachusetts.  It  formed 
a  part,  at  that  time,  of  the  Constitutions  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Eng- 
land, as  follows:  "Rule  V.  No  man  can  be  made  or  admitted  a  mem- 
ber of  a  particular  lodge,  without  previous  notice,  one  month  before, 
given  to  the  said  lodge,  in  order  to  make  due  inquiry  into  the 
reputation  and  capacity  of  the  candidate ;  unless  by  the  Dispensation 
aforesaid."  This  being  a  fundamental  law  of  Masonry,  it  was  not 
a  regulation  that  could  be  "adopted  by  most  of  the  Grand  Lodges  in 
America."  See,  also,  the  Installation  Service  of  the  Master  of  a 
Lodge,  Charge  xiv. 


PRE-REQITISITES   FOR  A   CANDIDATE.    ■  15 

Form  of  a  petition  to  be  presented  by  a  Candidate  for  Initiation. 
"To  the  Worshipful  Master,  Wardens,  and  Brethren  of 
Lodge,  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons : 


"  The  petition  of  the  subscriber  respectfully  showeth,  that 
having  long  entertained  a  favorable  opinion  of  your  ancient 
institution,  he  is  desirous  of  being  admitted  a  member 
thereof,  if  found  worthy.1 

"His  place  of  residence  is ;  his  age years;  his 

occupation ,"  [Signed],  A.  B. 

After  this  petition  is  read,  the  candidate  must  be  proposed 
in  form,  by  a  member  of  the  Lodge,  and  the  proposition 
seconded  by  another  member;  a  committee  is  then  appointed 
to  make  inquiry  relative  to  his  character  and  qualifications.2 

Declaration  to  be  assented  to  by  a  Candidate,  in  an  adjoining    apartment, 
previous  to  Initiation. 

"Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor,  before  these 
gentlemen,3  that,  unbiased  by  friends,  and  uninfluenced  by 
mercenary  motives,  you  freely  and  voluntarily  offer  yourself 
a  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry?7'     I  do. 

"Dojrou  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor,  before  these 

1  To  this  is  properly  added  the  words :  "  If  admitted,  he  pledges  him- 
self to  a  cheerful  obedience  to  all  the  requirements  of  the  Institution." 

2  The  qualifications  of  candidates  are  of  three  classes :  mental,  moral, 
and  physical 

Mentally,  each  must  possess  a  sound  intellect,  and  a  good  memory,  so 
as  quickly  to  appreciate,  thoroughly  to  comprehend,  and  faithfully  to 
retain  the  instructions  to  be  communicated  to  him. 

Morally,  he  must  be  of  good  report  before  all  men,  obedient  to  the 
laws  of  God,  keeping  his  passions  under  subjection,  industrious, 
economical,  and  a  good  citizen. 

Physically,  he  must  have  the  parts  and  members  of  a  man,  without 
any  serious  maim  or  defect.  All  the  Masonic  means  of  recognition  he 
must  be  able  Masonically  to  receive,  and  Masonically  to  communicate. 

3  The  Stewards  of  the  Lodge  are  usually  present.  If  not,  then  a 
Committee  of  Preparation. —  Webb. 


16  *      PRE-REQUISITES  FOR  A  CANDIDATE. 

gentlemen,  that  you  are  prompted  to  solicit  the  privileges  of 
Masonry  by  a  favorable  opinion  conceived  of  the  institution, 
a  desire  of  knowledge,  and  a  sincere  wish  of  being  serviceable 
to  your  fellow-creatures ?"     I  do. 

"  Do  you  seriously  declare,  upon  your  honor,  before  these 
gentlemen,  that  you  will  cheerfully  conform  to  all  the  ancient 
established  usages  and  customs  of  the  Fraternity  ?  "     I  do.1 

After  the  above  declarations  are  made,  and  reported  to  the 
Master,  he  makes  it  known  to  the  Lodge,  in  manner  following, 
viz: 

"  Brethren  : — At  the  request  of  Mr.  A.  B.,  he  has  been 
proposed  and  accepted  in  regular  form.  I,  therefore,  recom- 
mend him  as  a  proper  candidate  for  the  mysteries  of  Masonry, 
and  worthy  to  partake  of  the  privileges  of  the  Fraternity; 
and,  in  consequence  of  a  declaration  of  his  intentions,  volun- 
tarily made,  I  believe  he  will  cheerfully  conform  to  the  rules 
of  the  Order." 

If  there  are  then  no  objections  made,  tHe  candidate  is  intro- 
duced in  due  form. 

1  A  clear  ballot  must  be  had  before  the  candidate  is  notified*  to  appear 
in  the  "  adjoining  apartment." 

The  usage  in  balloting  is  by  balls,  and  in  a  manner  so  secret  that  no 
one  is  informed  how  another  voted.  If  one  black  ball  only  is  found  in 
the  box,  a  second  ballot  is  immediately  had  to  correct  a  possible 
mistake ;  the  black  ball  appearing  the  second  time,  the  candidate  is 
declared  rejected;  nor  can  he  apply  to  the  Lodge  again  until  after  a 
period  (usually  twelve  months)  designated  in  the  standard  regulations 
of  the  Grand  Lodge  having  jurisdiction.  More  than  one  black  ball 
insures  a  peremptory  rejection. 

The  same  rule  of  balloting  is  applicable  to  petitions  for  affiliation 
and  advancement. 

There  is  no  Grand  Lodge  which,  at  present,  authorizes  an  addition 
to  these  declarations.  A  few  private  Lodges  append  a  pledge,  to  the 
effect  that  the  applicant  believes  in  a  state  of  future  rewards  and  pun- 
ishments, that  be  conceives  the  Holy  Scriptures  to  be  of  Divine  import, 
etc.    All  this,  however,  is  irregular  and  un-Masonio. 


REMARKS  ON  THE  FIRST  LECTURE.  17 


CHAPTER  VII. 

REMARKS   ON   THE   FIRST   LECTURE. 

We  shall  now  enter  on  a  disquisition  of  the  different  sec- 
tions of  the  lectures  appropriated  to  the  several  degrees  of 
Masonry,  giving  a  brief  summary  of  the  whole,  and  annexing 
to  every  remark  the  particulars  to  which  the  section  alludes. 
By  these  means  the  industrious  Mason  will  be  instructed  in 
the  regular  arrangement  of  the  sections  in  each  lecture,  and 
be  enabled  with  more  ease  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  the 
art.1 

The  first  lecture  on  Masonry  is  divided  into  three  sections, 
and  each  section  into  different  clauses.  Virtue  is  painted  in 
the  most  beautiful  colors,  and  the  duties  of  morality  are 
enforced.  In  it  we  are  taught  such  useful  lessons  as  prepare 
the  mind  for  a  regular  advancement  in  the  principles  of 
knowledge  and  philosophy.  These  are  imprinted  on  the 
memory  by  lively  and  sensible  images,  to  influence  our 
conduct  in  the  proper  discharge  of  the  duties  of  social  life.2 

1  The  whole  of  these  lectures,  as  taught  by  Webb,  are  yet  extant,  and 
would  most  appropriately  accompany  this  volume  by  the  mouth  of 
Grand  Lecturers  and  other  Masonic  instructors. 

2  These  images  relate  to  the  chaste  and  beautiful  drama  of  Masonry, 
wherein  emblem,  symbol,  and  ceremonial,  are  elegantly  combined  with 
the  purest  doctrine  and  the  most  venerable  tradition,  to  impress  the 
candidate's  mind  with  the  grace  and  sublimity  of  the  Rite. 

In  Webb's  day,  the  emblems,  instead  of  being  presented  in  the 
Monitor  as  now,  were  painted  upon  canvas,  and  formed  a  part  of  the 
hangings  of  the  Lodge.  Oftener  they  were  merely  drawn  with  chalk, 
charcoal,  and  clay,  upon  the  floor,  for  temporary  use.  The  same  designs 
were  used  then  as  now ;  but  the  splendid  Carpets  of  Mr.  Sherer  have 
taken  the  place  of  all  other  appliances  for  Masonic  lecturing. 
2 


18 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 


THE  FIRST  SECTION. 

The  first  section  in  this  lecture  is  suited  to  all  capacities, 
and  may  and  ought  to  be  known  by  every  person  who  ranks 
as  a  Mason.  It  consists  of  general  heads,  which,  though 
short  and  simple,  carry  weight  with  them.  They  not  only 
serve  as  marks  of  distinction,  but  communicate  useful  and 
interesting  knowledge,  when  they  are  duly  investigated. 
They  qualify  us  to  try  and  examine  the  rights  of  others  to  our 
privileges,  while  they  prove  ourselves ;  and,  as  they  induce  us 
to  inquire  more  minutely  into  other  particulars  of  greater 
importance,  they  serve  as  an  introduction  to  subjects  more 
amply  explained  in  the  following  sections.1 


A  PRAYER  AT  THE  INITIATION  OP  A  CANDIDATE. 

"  Vouchsafe  thine  aid,  Almighty  Father  of  the  Universe,  to  this, 
our  present  convention;  and  grant  that  this  candidate  for  Masonry 
may  dedicate  and  devote  his  life  to  thy  service,  and  become  a  true 
and  faithful  Brother  among  us!  Endue  him  with  a  competency  of 
thy  divine  wisdom,  that,  by  the  secrets  of  our  art,  he  may  be  better 
enabled  to  display  the  beauties  of  Brotherly  Love,  Relief  and  Truth, 
to  the  honor  of  thy  holy  name."     Amen  I     So  mote  it  be  I  2 


1  The  examination  of  a  visiting  Brother  is  made  particularly  minute 
and  thorough  upon  this  degree. 

2  All  the  prayers  introduced  into  this  work  may  be  considered  as 
models  or  forms  to  be  enlarged  upon  or  abbreviated,  or  others  substi- 
tuted in  their  places,  at  the  Master's  will  and  pleasure. 


FIRST  SECTION. 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 


SCRIPTURAL  SELECTIONS. 


"Behold!  how  good  and  pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to  dwell 
together  in  unity  I 

"  It  is  like  the  precious  ointment  upon  the  head,  that  ran  down 
upon  the  beard,  even  Aaron's  beard,  that  went  down  to  the  skirts 
of  his  garments  : 

"As  the  dew  of  Hermon,  and  as  the  dew  that  descended  upon 
the  mountain  of  Zion ;  for  there  the  Lord  commanded  the  blessing, 
even  life  for  evermore." — Psalm  cxxxiii. 

PARAPHRASE   OF  THE   ABOYE  FOR  MUSIC. 

Behold  how  pleasant  and  how  good 

For  Brothers  such  as  we, 
Of  the  United  Brotherhood, 

To  dwell  in  unity. 
'Tis  like  the  oil  on  Aaron's  head, 

Which  to  his  feet  distills; 
Like  Hermon' s  dew,  so  richly  shed 

On  Zion's  sacred  hills. 

For  there  the  Lord  of  light  and  love 

A  blessing  sent  with  power: 
Oh,  may  we  all  this  blessing  prove 

Even  life  for  evermore  ! 
On  friendship's  altar  rising  here, 

Our  hands  now  plighted  be, 
To  live  in  love  with  hearts  sincere, 

In  peace  and  unity. 

It  is  a  duty  incumbent  on  every  Master  of  a  Lodge,  before 
the  ceremony  of  initiation  takes  place,  to  inform  the  candidate 
of  the  purpose  and  design  of  the  institution  ;  to  explain  the 
nature  of  his  solemn  engagements,  and,  in  a  manner  peculiar 
to  Masons  alone,  to  require  his  cheerful  acquiescence  to  the 
duties  of  morality  and  virtue,  and  all  the  sacred  tenets  of  the 
Order. 


FIRST   SECTION. 


21 


Toward  the  close  of  the  section  is  explained  that  peculiar 
ensign  of  Masonry,  the  lamb-sJrin,  or 
white  leather  apron,  which  is  an  emblem 
of  innocence,  and  the  badge  of  a  Mason ; 
more  ancient  than  the  Golden  Fleece  or 
Roman  Eagle ;  more  honorable  than  the 
Star  and  Garter,  or  any  other  order  that  could  be  conferred 
upon  the  candidate  at  the  time  of  his  initiation,  or  at  any  time 
thereafter,  by  king,  prince,  potentate,  or  any  other  person, 
except  he  be  a  Mason  ;  and  which  every  one  ought  to  wear, 
with  equal  pleasure  to  himself  and  honor  to  the  Fraternity.1 


i  The  Masonic  apron  of  the  symbolic  degrees  should  be  cut  with  right 
angles  throughout. 


22  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

This  section  closes  with  an  explanation  of  the  worlcing  tools 
and  implements  of  an  Entered  apprentice,  which  are,  the 
Twenty-four  inch  Gauge  and  the  Common  Gavel1 


The  Twenty-four  inch  Gauge  is  an  instrument  made  use  of 
by  operative  Masons,  to  measure  and  lay  out  their  work ;  but 
we,  as  free  and  accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make  use  of  it 
for  the  more  noble  and  glorious  purpose  of  dividing  our  time. 
It  being  divided  into  twenty-four  equal  parts,  is  emblematical 
of  the  twenty-four  hours  of  the  day,  which  we  are  taught  to 
divide  into  three  equal  parts,  whereby  we  find  eight  hours  for 
the  service  of  God  and  a  distressed  worthy  Brother,  eight 
hours  for  our  usual  avocations,  and  eight  for  refreshment  and 
sleep. 

The  Common  Gavel  is  an  instrument  made  use  of  by 
operative  masons,  to  break  off  the  corners  of  rough  stones, 
the  better  to  fit  them  for  the  builder's  usej  but  we,  as  free 
and  accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make  use  of  it  for  the 
more  noble  and  glorious  purpose  of  divesting  our  minds  and 
consciences  of  all  the  vices  and  superfluities  of  life,  there- 

1  These  should  be  a  part  of  the  furniture  or  equipments  of  the  Lodge, 
The  correct  form  of  the  Gavel  is  given  above. 


SECOND   SECTION.  23 

by  fitting  our  bodies,  as  living  stones,  for  that  spiritual 
building,  that  house  not  made  with  hands,  eternal  in  tht 
heavens. 

THE  SECOND  SECTION. 

The  second  section  rationally  accounts  for  the  origin  of 
our  hieroglyphical  instruction,  and  convinces  us  of  the  ad- 
vantages which  will  ever  accompany  a  faithful  observance  of 
our  duty;  it  maintains,  beyond  the  power  of  contradiction, 
the  propriety  of  our  rites,  while  it  demonstrates  to  the  most 
skeptical  and  hesitating  mind,  their  excellence  and  utility; 
it  illustrates,  at  the  same  time,  certain  particulars,  of  which 
our  ignorance  might  lead  us  into  error,  and  which,  as  Masons, 
we  are  indispensably  bound  to  know.1 

To  make  a  daily  progress  in  the  art,  is  our  constant  duty, 
and  expressly  required  by  our  general  laws.  What  end  can 
be  more  noble,  than  the  pursuit  of  virtue?  What  motive 
more  alluring  than  the  practice  of  justice?  or  what  instruc- 
tion more  beneficial,  than  an  accurate  elucidation  of  sym- 
bolical mysteries  which  tend  to  embellish  and  adorn  the 
mind?  Everything  that  strikes  the  eye,  more  immediately 
engages  the  attention,  and  imprints  on  the  memory  serious 
and  solemn  truths;  hence,  Masons,  universally  adopting  this 
method  of  inculcating  the  tenets  of  their  Order  by  typical 
figures  and  allegorical  emblems,  prevent  their  mysteries  from 
descending  into  the  familiar  reach  of  inattentive  and  unpre- 
pared novices,  from  whom  they  might  not  receive  due  ven- 
eration. 

Our  records  inform  us,  that  the  usages  and  customs  of 
Masons  have  ever  corresponded  with  those  of  the  Egyptian 

1  It  is  not  enough  to  instruct  the  initiate  in  the  forms  through  which 
he  has  passed;  this  were  but  child-like  and  trivial.  The  antiquity, 
origin,  and  meaning  of  those  forms  is  that  which  alone  can  recom- 
mend them  to  the  intellectual  mind.  In  this,  and  not  in  mere  expert* 
ness  or  dramatic  effect,  lies  the  forte  of  a  skillful  Master. 


24  ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 

philosophers,  to  which  they  bear  a  near  affinity.  Unwilling 
to  expose  their  mysteries  to  vulgar  eyes,  they  concealed  their 
particular  tenets,  and  principles  of  polity,  under  hierogiyphi- 
cal  figures  ;  and  expressed  their  notions  of  government  by 
signs  and  symbols,  which  they  communicated  to  their  Magi 
alone,  and  who  were  bound  by  oath  not  to  reveal  them.  The 
Pythagorean  system  seems  to  have  been  established  on  a 
similar  plan,  and  many  orders  of  a  more  recent  date.  Ma- 
sonry, however,  is  not  only  the  most  ancient,  but  the  most 
moral  institution  that  ever  subsisted;  every  character,  figure, 
and  emblem,  depicted  in  a  Lodge,  has  a  moral  tendency,  and 
inculcates  the  practice  of  virtue.1 


THE    BADGE    OF   A   MASON. 

Every  candidate,  at  his  initiation,  is  presented  with  a 
lambskin  or  white  leather  apron.2 

The  Lamb  has,  in  all   ages,  been  deemed   an  emblem  of 
innocence;  he,  therefore,  who  wears  the 
lamb-skin    as    a  badge  of   Masonry,    is 
thereby    continually    reminded    of    that 
purity  of  life  and  conduct,  which  is  es- 

1  It  must  not  be  supposed  that  all  the  ancient  emblems  and  symbols 
of  Masonry  are  given  in  this  or  any  other  Manual.  Many  have  fallen 
into  disuse;  some  are  too  closely  allied  to  the  essential  secrets  of  Ma- 
sonry to  be  published  with  safety;  while  some  are  too  elaborate  for  a 
Hand-Book. 

2  By  the  Old  Regulations,  No.  VII,  "  Every  Brother  at  his  making,  ia 
decently  to  clothe  the  Lodge,  that  is,  all  the  Brethren  present."     By 


THIRD    SECTION. 


25 


sentially  necessary  to  his  gaining  admission  into  the  Celes- 
tial Lodge  above,  where  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Uni- 
verse presides. 

THE   THIRD   SECTION. 

The  third  section  explains  the  nature  and  principles  of  our 
constitution,  and  teaches  us  to  discharge  with  propriety  the 
duties  of  our  respective  stations.  Here,  too,  we  receive  in- 
struction relative  to  the  form,  supports,  covering,  furniture, 
ornaments,   lights  and  jewels  of  a   Lodge,  how  it  should  be 


situated,  and  to  whom  dedicated.     A  proper  attention  is  also 
paid  to  our  ancient  and  venerable  patrons. 

From  east  to  west,  Freemasonry  extends,  and  between  the 


north  and  south,  in  every  clime  and  nation,  are  Masons  to 
be  found.1 


this  was  meant  the  presentation  of  white  gloves  and  aprons.    But  the 
usage  with  us  has  become  obsolete. 

1  Modern   investigations    prove  this  assertion  to    6e  well  founded. 


26 


ENTERED    APPRENTICE. 


mBiiiiiiiiniiiliiiilill 


mm 


Our  institution  is  said  to  be  supported  by  Wisdom,  Strengtht 
and  Beauty;  because  it  is  necessary  that  there  should  ba 
wisdom  to  contrive,  strength  to  support,  and  beauty  to  adorn 


all  great  and  important  undertakings.  Its  dimensions  are 
unlimited,  and  its  covering  no  less  than  the  canopy  of  heaven. 
To  this  object  the  Mason's  mind  is  continually  directed,  and 
thither  he  hopes  at  last  to  arrive,  by  the  aid  of  the  theolo- 
gical ladder  which  Jacob  in  his  vision  saw  ascending  from 
earth  to   heaven  ;  the  three  principal   rounds  of  which   are 

Every  civilized  land  has  its  Lodges  ;  every  nation  possessing  the  spark 
of  liberty  and  religion,  its  trestle-board  of  Masonic  secrets. 


SECTION   THIRD. 


27 


28 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


denominated  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity ;  and  which  admonish 
us  to  have  faith  in  God,  hope  in  immortality,  and  charity 
to  all  mankind. 

Every  well  governed  Lodge  is  furnished  with  the  Holy 
Bible,  the  Square,  and  the  Compass;  the 
Bible  points  out  the  path  that  leads  to 
happiness,  and  is  dedicated  to  God;  the 
Square  teaches  us  to  regulate  our  conduct 
by  the  principles  of  morality  and  virtue, 
and  is  dedicated  to  the  Master;  the  Compass  teaches  us  to 
limit  our  desires  in  every  station,  and  is  dedicated  to  the 
Craft. 

The  Bible  is  dedicated  to  the  service  of  God,  because  it  is 
the  inestimable  gift  of  God  to  man.  The  Square  to  the 
Master,  because,  being  the  proper  Masonic  emblems  of  his 
office,  it  is  constantly  to  remind  him  of  the  duty  he  owes  to 
the  Lodge  over  which  he  is  appointed  to  preside;  and  the 
Compass  to  the  Craft,  because  by  a  due  attention  to  its  use, 
they  are  taught  to  regulate  their  desires,  and  keep  their 
passions  within  due  bounds. 


Wgsm |n!iii'';iii!i;'iii'':i'l:i!'i»l::i'!:;:;'ii1ii''':;;'1|l!Wli,:!;i|:!1 

^„  ■ih,.-.:,i1;:  'n... •"l,iii,.Mii.:!.in„liii,:..i.i.  'in "n.iii m 


fo  ^SSmmMim  "iT'l'iiim1"1-  hl"""""|! 


The  ornamental  parts  of  a  Lodge,  displayed  in  this  section, 
are,  the  Mosaic  pavement,  the  Indented  tessel,  and  the  Blazing 
star.     The  Mosaic  pavement  is  a  representation  of  the  ground 


THIRD    SECTION. 


29 


floor  of  king  Solomon's  Temple;  the  Indented  tessel,  that 
beautiful  tesselated  border,  or  skirting,  which  surrounded  it; 
and  the  Blazing  star,  in  the  center,  is  commemorative  of  the 
star  which  appeared,  to  guide  the  wise  men  of  the  East  to 
the  place  of  our  Savior's  nativity.  The  Mosaic  pavement  is 
emblematic  of  human  life,  checkered  with  good  and  evil; 
the  Beautiful  Border  which  surrounds  it,  those  blessings  and 
comforts  which  surround  us,  and  which  we  hope  to  obtain 
by  a  faithful  reliance  on  Divine  Providence,  which  is  hiero- 
glyphically  represented  by  the  B^.ing  star  in  the  center. 


The  Movable  and  Immovable  ie*vels 
tion  in  this  section.1 


also  claim  our  atte?*- 


By  the  general  usage,   the  square,  level  and  plumb  are  styled  the 


80 


ENTERED  APPRENTICE. 


Tbe  Rough  ashler  is  a  stone,  as  taken 
from  the  quarry  in  its  rude  and  natural 
state. 
The  Perfect  ashler  is  a  stone  made  ready 
by  the  hands  of  the  workman   to  be  ad- 
justed by  the  tools  of  the  Fellow-craft.         '%■■■■■■ 
The  Trestle-board  is  for  the  master  workman  to  draw  hag 
designs  upon. 


@\^ 


LSI51 


By  the  Rough  ashlar,  we  are  reminded  of  our  rude  and 
imperfect  state  by  nature;  by  the  Perfect  ashlar,  that  state 
of  perfection  at  which  we  hope  to  arrive,  by  a  virtuous 
education,  our  own  endeavors,  and  the  blessing  of  God;  and 
by  the  Trestle-board,  we  are  reminded,  that  as  the  operative 
workman  erects  his  temporal  building  agreeably  to  the  rules 
and  designs  laid  down  by  the  Master  on  his  trestle-board, 
so  should  we,  both  operative  and  speculative,  endeavor  to 
erect  our  spiritual  building  agreeably  to  the  rules  and  de- 


TTVs.       TT>^ 


E 


immovable   jewels,   and  this    is    in   accordance  with    Webb's    private 
instructions. 


THIRD  SECTION. 


31 


signs  laid  down  by  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Universe, 
in  the  book  of  life,  which  is  our  spiritual  trestle-board. 

By  a  recurrence  to  the  chapter  upon  the  Dedication  of 
Lodges,  it  will  be  perceived,  that  although  our  ancient  breth- 
ren dedicated  their  Lodges  to  king  Solomon,  yet  Masons  pro- 
fessing Christianity  dedicate  theirs  to  St.  John  the  Baptist, 
and  St.  John  the  Evangelist,  who  were  eminent  patrons  of 
Masonry;  and  since  their  time  there  is  represented  in  every 
regular  and  well-governed  Lodge,  a  cer- 
tain Point  within  a  Circle;  the  Point 
representing  an  individual  brother,  the 
Circle  representing  the  boundary  line  of 
his  duty  to  God  and  man,  beyond  which 
he  is  never  to  suffer  his  passions,  preju- 
dices or  interests  to  betray  him  on  any 
occasion.  This  Circle  is  embordered  by 
two  perpendicular  parallel  lines,  represent- 
ing St.  John  the  Baptist  and  St.  John  the 
Evangelist;  who  were  perfect  parallels,  in  Christianity  as  well 
as  Masonry;  and  upon  the  vertex  rests  the  book  of  Holy 
Scriptures,  which  point  out  the  whole  duty  of  man.  In  going 
round  this  circle,  we  necessarily  touch  upon  these  two  lines, 
as  well  as  upon  the  Holy  Scriptures ;  and  while  a  Mason 
keeps  himself  thus  circumscribed,  it  is  impossible  that  he 
should  materially  err. 

This  section,  though  the  last  in  rank,  is  not  the  least  con- 
siderable in  importance.  It  strengthens  those  which  precede, 
and  enforces,  in  the  most  engaging  manner,  a  due  regard  to 
character  and  behavior,  in  public  as  well  as  in  private  life  \ 
in  the  Lodge  as  well  as  in  the  general  commerce  of  society. 


32 


ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 


It  forcibly  inculcates  the  most  instructive  lessons.  Broth- 
erly Love,  Relief,  and  Truth,  are  themes  on  which  we  here 
expatiate. 

OF   BROTHERLY   LOVE. 

By  the  exercise  of  broth- 
erly love,  we  are  taught  to 
regard  the  whole  human 
species  as  one  family — the 
high  and  low,  the  rich  and 
poor;  who,  as  created  by 
one  Almighty  Parent,  and 
inhabitants  of  the  same 
planet,  are  to  aid,  support,  and  protect  each  other.  On  this 
principle,  Masonry  unites  men  of  every  country,  sect,  and 
opinion,  and  conciliates  true  friendship  among  those  who 
might  otherwise  have  remained  at  a  perpetual  distance. 


OF   RELIEF. 

To  relieve  the  distressed 
is  a  duty  incumbent  on  all 
men  ;  but  particularly  on 
Masons,  who  are  linked 
together  by  an  indissoluble 
chain  of  sincere  affection. 
To  soothe  the  unhappy,  to 
sympathize  with  their  mis- 
fortunes, to  compassionate 
their  miseries,  and  to  restore  peace  to  their  troubled  minds, 
is  the  grand  aim  we  have  in  view.  On  this  basis  we  form 
our  friendships,  and  establish  our  connections. 


THIRD   SECTION. 


33 


OP   TRUTH. 

Truth  is  a  divine  at- 
tribute, and  the  foun- 
dation of  every  vir- 
tue. To  be  good  and 
true,  is  the  first  lesson 
we  are  taught  in  Ma- 
sonry. On  this  theme  we  contemplate,  and  by  its  dictates 
endeavor  to  regulate  our  conduct.  Hence,  while  influenced 
by  this  principle,  hypocrisy  and  deceit  are  unknown  among 
us,  sincerity  and  plain  dealing  distinguish  us,  and  the  heart 
and  tongue  join  in  promoting  each  other's  welfare,  and 
rejoicing  in  each  other's  prosperity. 

To  this  illustration   succeeds  an   explanation  of  the  four 
cardinal  virtues — Temperance,  Fortitude,  Prudence  and  Justice} 


1  This  order  of  arranging  the  cardinal  virtues,  while  it  is  the  oldest 
in  Masonic  use,  is  also  the  most  convenient.     They  are  found,  however 


34  ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

OF    TEMPERANCE. 

Temperance  is  that  due  restraint  upon  our  affections  and 
passions,  which  renders  the  body  tame  and  governable,  and 
frees  the  mind  from  the  allurements  of  vice.  This  virtue 
should  be  the  constant  practice  of  every  Mason,  as  he  is 
thereby  taught  to  avoid  excess,  or  contracting  any  licentious 
or  vicious  habit,  the  indulgence  of  which  might  lead  him  to 
disclose  some  of  those  valuable  secrets,  which  he  has  promised 
to  conceal  and  never  reveal,  and  which  would  consequently 
subject  him  to  the  contempt  and  detestation  of  all  good 
Masons. 

OF   FORTITUDE.. 

Fortitude  is  that  noble  and  steady  purpose  of  the  mind, 
whereby  we  are  enabled  to  undergo  any  pain,  peril  or  danger, 
when  prudentially  deemed  expedient.  This  virtue  is  equally 
distant  from  rashness  and  cowardice ;  and,  like  the  former, 
should  be  deeply  impressed  upon  the  mind  of  every  Mason, 
as  a  safeguard  or  security  against  any  illegal  attack  that  may 
be  made,  by  force  or  otherwise,  to  extort  from  him  any  of 
those  secrets  with  which  he  has  been  so  solemnly  intrusted, 
and  which  was  emblematically  represented  upon  his  first 
admission  into  the  Lodge. 

OF    PRUDENCE. 

Prudence  teaches  us  to  regulate  our  lives  and  actions 
agreeably  to  the  dictates  of  reason,  and  is  that  habit  by  which 

in  the  Apocryphal  Books  of  the  wisdom  of  Solomon,  Ch.  8,  v.  7,  in  the 
order  of  Temperance,  Prudence,  Justice  and  Fortitude. 


THIRD   SECTION.  35 

we  wisely  judge,  and  prudentially  determine,  on  all  things 
relative  to  our  present,  as  well  as  to  our  future  happiness. 
This  virtue  should  be  the  peculiar  characteristic  of  every 
Mason,  not  only  for  the  government  of  his  conduct  while  in 
the  Lodge,  but  also  when  abroad  in  the  world.  It  should  be 
particularly  attended  to  in  all  strange  and  mixed  companies, 
never  to  let  fall  the  least  sign,  token  or  word,  whereby  the 
secrets  of  Masonry  might  be  unlawfully  obtained. 


OF   JUSTICE. 

Justice  is  that  standard  or  boundary  of  right  which 
enables  us  to  render  to  every  man  his  just  due,  without 
distinction.  This  virtue  is  not  only  consistent  with  Divine 
and  human  laws,  but  is  the  very  cement  and  support  of  civil 
society  ;  and  as  justice  in  a  great  measure  constitutes  the  real 
good  man,  so  should  it  be  the  invariable  practice  of  every 
Mason  never  to  deviate  from  the  minutest  principles  thereof. 

The  illustration  of  these  virtues  is  accompanied  with  some 
general  observations  peculiar  to  Masons.1 

Such  is   the   arrangement  of  the  different  sections  in  the 


iThe  illustration  of  Masonic  Service,  viz.:  freedom, fervency,  and  zeal 
was  an  important  part  of  Webb's  system  of  lectures. 


36  ENTERED   APPRENTICE. 

first  lecture,  which,  with  the  forms  adopted  at  the  .opening 
and  closing  of  a  Lodge,  comprehends  the  whole  of  the  first 
degree  of  Masonry.  This  plan  has  the  advantage  of  regu- 
larity to  recommend  it,  the  support  of  precedent  and  author- 
ity, and  the  sanction  and  respect  which  flow  from  antiquity. 
The  whole  is  a  regular  system  of  morality,  conceived  in  a 
strain  of  interesting  allegory,  which  must  unfold  its  beauties 
to  the  candid  and  industrious  inquirer. 

CHARGE    AT    INITIATION    INTO    THE    FIRST.  DEGREE. 

Brother: — As  you  are  now  introduced  into  the  first  prin- 
ciples of  Masonry,  I  congratulate  you  on  being  accepted 
into  this  ancient  and  honorable  Order;  ancient,  as  having 
subsisted  from  time  immemorial ;  and  honorable,  as  tending, 
in  every  particular,  so  to  render  all  men  who  will  be  conform- 
able to  its  precepts.  No  institution  was  ever  raised  on  a 
better  principle,  or  more  solid  foundation  ;  nor  were  ever 
more  excellent  rules  and  useful  maxims  laid  down,  than  are 
inculcated  in  the  several  Masonic  lectures.  The  greatest  and 
best  of  men  in  all  ages  have  been  encouragers  and  promoters 
of  the  art,  and  have  never  deemed  it  derogatory  from  their 
dignity  to  level  themselves  with  the  fraternity,  extend  their 
privileges,  and  patronize  their  assemblies. 

There  are  three  great  duties,  which,  as  a  Mason,  you  are 
charged  to  inculcate — to  God,  your  neighbor,  and  yourself. 
To  God,  in  never  mentioning  his  name,  but  with  that  rever- 
ential awe  which  is  due  from  a  creature  to  his  Creator;  to 
implore  his  aid  in  all  your  laudable  undertakings,  and  to 
esteem  him  as  the  chief  good :  to  your  neighbor,  in  acting 
upon  the  square,  and  doing  unto  him  as  you  wish  he  should 
do  unto  you  :  and  to  yourself,  in  avoiding  all  irregularity  and 
intemperance,  which  may  impair  your  faculties,  or  debase 
the  dignity  of  your  profession.  A  zealous  attachment  to 
these  duties  will  insure  public  and  private  esteem. 

In  the  State,  you  are  to  be  a  quiet  and  peaceful  subject, 


CHARGE.  37 

true  to  your  government,  and  just  to  your  country ;  you  are 
not  to  countenance  disloyalty  or  rebellion,  but  patiently  sub- 
mit to  legal  authority,  and  conform  with  cheerfulness  to  the 
government  of  the  country  in  which  you  live. 

In  your  outward  demeanor  be  particularly  careful  to  avoid 
censure  or  reproach.  Let  not  interest,  favor,  or  prejudice, 
bias  your  integrity,  or  influence  you  to  be  guilty  of  a  dis- 
honorable action.  Although  your  frequent  appearance  at 
our  regular  meetings  is  earnestly  solicited,  yet  it  is  not  meant 
that  Masonry  should  interfere  with  your  necessary  vocations ; 
for  these  are  on  no  account  to  be  neglected'  neither  are  you 
to  suffer  your  zeal  for  the  institution  to  lead  you  into  argu- 
ment with  those  who,  through  ignorance,  may  ridicule  it. 
At  your  leisure  hours,  that  you  may  improve  in  Masonic 
knowledge,  you  are  to  converse  with  well-informed  brethren, 
who  will  be  always  as  ready  to  give,  as  you  will  be  ready 
to  receive  instruction. 

Finally ;  keep  sacred  and  inviolable  ihe  mysteries  of  the 
Order,  as  these  are  to  distinguish  you  from  the  rest  of  the 
community,  and  mark  your  consequence  among  Masons.  If, 
in  the  circle  of  your  acquaintance,  you  find  a  person  desirous 
of  being  initiated  into  Masonry,  be  particularly  attentive  not 
to  recommend  him,  unless  you  are  convinced  he  will  conform 
to  our  rules;  that  the  honor,  glory,  and  reputation  of  the 
institution  may  be  firmly  established,  and  the  world  at  large 
convinced  of  its  good  effects. 


38  REMARKS   ON  THE   SECOND  DEGREE. 

CHAPTER    VIII. 

REMARKS   ON   THE   SECOND  DEGREE. 

Masonry  is  a  progressive  science,  and  is  divided  into  dif- 
ferent classes  or  degrees,  for  the  more  regular  advancement 
in  the  knowledge  of  its  mysteries.  According  to  the  pro- 
gress we  make,  we  limit  or  extend  our  inquiries;  and  in 
proportion  to  our  capacity,  we  attain  to  a  less  or  greater 
degree  of  perfection. 

Masonry  includes  within  its  circle  almost  every  branch  of 
polite  learning.  Under  the  vail  of  its  mysteries  is  compre- 
hended a  regular  system  of  science.  Many  of  its  illustra- 
tions, to  the  confined  genius,  may  appear  unimportant;  but 
the  man  of  more  enlarged  faculties  will  perceive  them  to  be, 
in  the  highest  degree,  useful  and  interesting.  To  please  the 
accomplished  scholar,  and  ingenious  artist,  Masonry  is  wisely 
planned;  and,  in  the  investigation  of  its  latent  doctrines, 
the  philosopher  and  mathematician  may  experience  equal 
delight  and  satisfaction. 

To  exhaust  the  various  subjects  of  which  it  treats,  would 
transcend  the  powers  of  the  brightest  genius ;  still,  however, 
nearer  approaches  to  perfection  may  be  made,  and  the  man  of 
wisdom  will  not  check  the  progress  of  his  abilities,  though 
the  task  he  attempts  may  at  first  seem  insurmountable. 
Perseverance  and  application  remove  each  difficulty  as  it 
occurs;  every  step  he  advances^  new  pleasures  open  to  his 
view,  and  instruction  of  the  noblest  kind  attends  his  re- 
searches. In  the  diligent  pursuit  of  knowledge,  the  intel- 
lectual faculties  are  employed  in  promoting  the  glory  of  God, 
and  +he  good  of  man. 

The  first  degree  is  well  calculated  to  enforce  the  duties  of 
morality,  and  imprint  on  the  memory  the  noblest  principles 


REMARKS   ON  THE   SECOND   DEGREE.  39 

which  can  adorn  the  human  mind.  It  is,  therefore,  the  best 
introduction  to  the  second  degree,  which  not  only  extends 
the  same  plan,  but  comprehends  a  more  diffusive  system  of 
knowledge.1 

Here  practice  and  theory  join,  in  qualifying  the  industrious 
Mason  to  share  the  pleasures  which  an  advancement  in  the 
art  must  necessarily  afford.  Listening  with  attention  to  the 
wise  opinions  of  experienced  Craftsmen  on  important  subjects, 
he  gradually  familiarizes  his  mind  to  useful  instruction,  and 
is  soon  enabled  to  investigate  truths  of  the  utmost  concern  in 
the  general  transactions  of  life. 

From  this  system  proceeds  a  rational  amusement;  while  the 
mental  powers  are  fully  employed,  the  judgment  is  properly 
exercised.  A  spirit  of  emulation  prevails;  and  all  are  in- 
duced to  vie  who  shall  most  excel  in  promoting  the  valuable 
rules  of  the  Institution. 

THE   FIRST   SECTION. 

The  first  section  of  the  second  degree  accurately  elucidates 
the  mode  of  introduction  into  that  particular  class ;  and  in- 
structs the  diligent  Craftsman  how  to  proceed  in  the  proper 
arrangement  of  the  ceremonies  used  on  the  occasion.  It 
qualifies  him  to  judge  of  their  importance,  and  convinces  him 
of  the  necessity  of  strictly  adhering  to  every  established  usage 
of  the  Order.  Here  he  is  intrusted  with  particular  tests,  to 
enable  him  to  prove  his  title  to  the  privileges  of  this  degree, 
while  satisfactory  reasons  are  given  for  their  origin.  Many 
duties,  which  cement  in  the  firmest  union  well  informed 
Brethren,  are  illustrated  in  this  section  ;  and  an  opportunity 
is  given  to  make  such  advances  in  Masonry,  as  will  always 

1  A  convenient  formula  for  this  is  thus  given  :  in  the  First  Degree  we 
are  taught  Morality;  in  the  Second,  Science;  in  the  Third,  Religion 
The  instruction  to  the  entered  Apprentice  is  directed  to  the  heart;  to 
the  Fellow-craft,  to  the  intellect;  to  the  Master  Mason,  to  the  soul. 


40  REMARKS  ON   THE  SECOND  DEGREE. 

distinguish  the  abilities  of  those  who  have  arrived  at  prefer- 
ment. The  knowledge  of  this  section  is  absolutely  necessary 
for  all  Craftsmen  ;  and  as  it  recapitulates  the  ceremony  of 
initiation,  and  contains  many  other  important  particulars,  no 
officer  or  member  of  a  Lodge  should  Toe  unacquainted  with  it. 


THE    ATTENTIVE    EAR,    THE    INSTRUCTIVE     TONGUE, 
AND   THE    FAITHFUL   BREAST. 


SCRIPTURAL  SELECTIONS. 

"  Thus  he  showed  me ;  and  behold  the  Lord  stood  upon  a  wall 
made  by  a  plumb-line,  with  a  plumb-line  in  his  hand. 

"And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Amos,  what  seest  thou?  And  I 
said,  A  plumb-line.  Then  said  the  Lord,  Behold,  I  will  set  a 
plumb-line  in  the  midst  of  my  people  Israel:  I  will  not  again  pass 
by  them  any  more." — Amos  vii. 

PARAPHRASE   OF    THE   ABOVE  FOR   MUSIC. 

His  laws  inspire  our  being: 

Our  light  is  from  his  Sun; 
Beneath  the  Eye  All-seeing 

Our  Mason's  work  is  done 
His  Plumb-line,  in  uprightness, 

Our  faithful  guide  shall  be, 
And  in  the  Source  of  brightness 

Our  willing  eyes  shall  see. 

Thou,  Father,  art  the  Giver 

To  every  earnest  prayer— 
Oh,  be  the  Guide  forever 

To  this  our  brother  dear  1 
By  law  and  precept  holy, 

By  token,  word  and  sign, 
Exalt  him,  now  so  lowly, 

Upon  this  grand  design. 

Within  thy  chamber  name  him 
A  workman  wise  and  true — ■ 


FIRST   SECTION. 


41 


While  loving  Crafts  shall  claim  him 
In  bonds  of  friendship  due  : 

Thus  shall  these  walls  extol  Thee, 
And  future  ages  prove 

What  Mason's  joy  to  call  thee,— 
The  God  of  Truth  and  Love. 


m 


The  Plumb,  Square  and  Level,  those  noble  and  useful  im- 
plements of  a  Fellow-cralt;    are  here  introduced  and  moral- 


42  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

ized,  and  serve  as  a  constant  admonition  to  the  practice  of 
virtue  and  morality. 

The  Plumb  is  an  instrument  made  use  of  by  operative 
Masons,  to  raise  perpendiculars,  the  Square,  to  square  their 
"work,  and  the  Level,  to  lay  horizontals  ;  but  we,  as  Free  and 
Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make  use  of  them  for  more 
noble  and  glorious  purposes.  The  Plumb  admonishes  us  to 
walk  uprightly  in  our  several  stations  before  God  and  man, 
squaring  our  actions  by  the  Square  of  virtue,  and  remem- 
bering that  we  are  traveling  upon  the  Level  of  time,  to 
that  undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourn  no  traveler 
returns.1 

THE  SECOND  SECTION. 

The  second  section  of  this  degree  has  recourse  to  the 
origin  of  the  institution,  and  views  Masonry  under  two  de- 
nominations, operative  and  speculative.  These  are  separately 
considered,  and  the  principles  on  which  both  are  founded, 
particularly  explained.  Their  affinity  is  pointed  out  by 
allegorical  figures,  and  typical  representations.  The  period 
stipulated  for  rewarding  merit  is  fixed,  and  the  inimitable 
moral  to  which  that  circumstance  alludes  is  explained.  The 
creation  of  the  world  is  described,  and  many  particulars 
recited,  all  of  which  have  been  carefully  preserved  among 
Masons,  and  transmitted  from  one  age  to  another,  by  oral 
tradition. 

Circumstances  of  great  importance  to  the  fraternity  are 
here  particularized,  and  many  traditional  tenets  and  customs 
confirmed  by  sacred  and  profane  record.  The  celestial  and 
terrestrial  globes  are  considered ;  and  here  the  accomplished 

I  See  the  Appendix  for  Ode,  "  The  Emblems  of  the  Graft,  in  which  a 
practical  application  of  these  emblems  is  made. 


SECOND  SECTION.  43 

gentleman  may  display  his  talents  to  advantage  in  the  elu- 
cidation of  the  Orders  of  Architecture,  the  Senses  of  human 
nature,  and  the  liberal  Arts  and  Sciences,  which  are  severally 
classed  in  a  regular  arrangement.  In  short,  this  section  con- 
tains a  store  of  valuable  knowledge,  founded  on  reason  and 
jsacred  record,  both  entertaining  and  instructive.1 

Masonry  is  considered  under  two  denominations — Operative 
and  Speculative. 

OPERATIVE    MASONRY. 

By  Operative  Masonry  we  allude  to  a  proper  application  of 
the  useful  rules  of  architecture,  whence  a  structure  will  de- 
rive figure,  strength  and  beauty,  and  whence  will  result  a 
due  proportion,  and  a  just  correspondence  in  all  its  parts.  It 
furnishes  us  with  dwellings,  and  convenient  shelter  from  the 
vicissitudes  and  inclemencies  of  seasons ;  and  while  it  dis- 
plays the  effects  of  human  wisdom,  as  well  in  the  choice,  as 
in  the  arrangement,  of  the  sundry  materials  of  which  an  edi- 
fice is  composed,  it  demonstrates  that  a  fund  of  science  and 
industry  is  implanted  in  man  for  the  best,  most  salutary  and 
beneficent  purposes. 

SPECULATIVE    MASONRT. 

By  Speculative  Masonry,  we  learn  to  subdue  the  passions, 
act  upon  the  square,  keep  a  tongue  of  good  report,  main- 
tain secrecy,  and  practice  charity.  It  is  so  far  interwoven 
with  religion,  as  to  lay  us  under   obligations   to   pay  that 

1  It  is  not  strictly  necessary  in  this  portion  of  the  Lectures  that  any 
set  forms  of  words  should  be  employed.  The  Brother  whose  duty  it  is 
to  moralize  upon  the  Winding  Stairway,  is  expected  to  draw  upon  his 
intellectual  resources  to  their  fullest  extent.  Large  accessions  to  this 
part  of  Masonry  may  be  derived  from  "  The  Historical  Landmarks  of 
Masonry"  (U.  M.  L.  Vov.  XI.  and  XII.) 


44 


FELLOW   CRAFT. 


rational  homage  to  the  Deity,  which  at  once  constitutes  our 
duty  and  our  happiness.  It  leads  the  contemplative  to  view 
with  reverence  and  admiration  the  glorious  works  of  the 
creation,  and  inspires  him  with  the  most  exalted  ideas  of  the 
perfections  of  his  Divine  Creator. 

In  six  days  God  created  the  heavens  and  the  earth,  and 
rested  upon  the  seventh  day ;  the  seventh,  therefore,  our  an- 
cient brethren  consecrated  as  a  day  of  rest  from  their  labors, 


2  Chr.  iii:  15. 
1  Kings  vii :  15. 


thereby  enjoying  frequent  opportunities  to  contemplate  the 
glorious  works  of  the  creation,  and  to  adore  their  great 
Creator. 


SECOND   SECTION. 


45 


The  doctrine  of  the  spheres  is  included  in  the  science  of 
astronomy,  and  particularly  considered  in  this  section, 

OF   THE   GLOBES. 

The  globes  are  two  artificial  spherical  bodies  on  the  con- 
vex surface  of  which  are  represented  the  countries,  seas, 
and  various  parts  of  the  earth,  the  face  of  the  heavens,  the 
planetary  revolutions,  and  other  particulars. 

The  sphere,  with  the  parts  of  the  earth  delineated  on  its 
surface,  is  called  the  terrestrial  globe ;  and  that  with  the 
constellations,  and  other  heavenly  bodies,  the  celestial  globe. 


THE    USE  OF  THE  GLOBES. 

Their  principal  use,  beside  serving  as  maps  to  distinguish 
the  outward  parts  of  the  earth,  and  the  situation  of  the  fixed 


46  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

stars,  is  to  illustrate  and  explain  the  phenomena  arising  from 
the  annual  revolution,  and  the  diurnal  rotation,  of  the  earth 
round  its  own  axis.  They  are  the  noblest  instruments  for 
improving  the  mind,  and  giving  it  the  most  distinct  idea  of 
any  problem  or  proposition,  as  well  as  enabling  it  to  solve 
the  same.  Contemplating  these  bodies,  we  are  inspired  with 
a  due  reverence  for  the  Deity  and  his  works,  and  are  induced 
to  encourage  the  studies  of  astronomy,  geography,  naviga- 
tion, and  the  arts  dependent  on  them,  by  which  society  has 
been  so  much  benefited. 

The  orders  of  architecture  come  under  consideration  in 
this  section  \  a  brief  description  of  them  may  therefore  not 
be  improper. 

OF   ORDER  IN   ARCHITECTURE. 

By  order  in  architecture,  is  meant  a  system  of  all  the  mem- 
bers, proportions  and  ornaments  of  columns,  and  pilasters, 
or,  it  is  a  regular  arrangement  of  the  projecting  parts  of  i 
building,  which,  united  with  those  of  a  column,  form  a 
beautiful,  perfect  and  complete  whole 

OF  ITS  ANTIQUITY. 

From  the  first  formation  of  society,  order  in  architecture 
may  be  traced.  When  the  rigor  of  seasons  obliged  men  to 
contrive  shelter  from  the  inclemency  of  the  weather,  we  learn 
that  they  first  planted  trees  on  end,  and  then  laid  others 
across,  to  support  a  covering.  The  bands  which  connected 
those  trees  at  the  top  and  bottom,  are  said  to  have  given  rise 
to  the  idea  of  the  base  and  capital  of  pillars;  and  from  this 
simple  hint  originally  proceeded  the  more  improved  art  of 
architecture. 


SECOND   SECTION. 


47 


The  five  orders  are  thus  classed :  the  Tuscan,  Doric,  Ionic, 
Corinthian,  and  Composite. 


THE   TUSCAN, 

Is  the  most  simple  and  solid  of  the  five  orders.  It  was 
invented  in  Tuscany,  whence  it  derives  its  name.  Its  col- 
umn is  seven  diameters  high ;  and  its  capital,  base  and 
entablature  have  but  few  moldings.  The  simplicity  of  the 
construction  of  this  column  renders  it  eligible  where  orna- 
ment would  be  superfluous. 

THE   DORIC, 

Which  is  plain  and  natural,  is  the  most  ancient,  and  was 
invented  by  the  Greeks.  Its  column  is  eight  diameters  high, 
and  has  seldom  any  ornaments  on  base  or  capital,  except 
moldings;'  though  the  frieze   is   distinguished    by  triglyphs 


48  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

and  metopes,  and  triglyphs  compose  the  ornaments  of  the 
frieze.  The  solid  composition  of  this  order  gives  it  a  prefer- 
ence in  structures  where  strength  and  noble  simplicity  are 
chiefly  required. 

The  Doric  is  the  best  proportioned  of  all  the  orders.  The 
several  parts  of  which  it  is  composed  are  founded  on  the 
natural  position  of  solid  bodies.  In  its  first  invention  it  was 
more  simple  than  in  its  present  state.  In  after  times,  when 
it  began  to  be  adorned,  it  gained  the  name  of  Doric ;  for 
when  it  was  constructed  in  its  primitive  and  simple  form, 
the  name  of  Tuscan  was  conferred  on  it.  Hence  the  Tuscan 
precedes  the  Doric  in  rank,  on  account  of  its  resemblance 
to  that  pillar  in  its  original  state. 

THE   IONIC, 

Bears  a  kind  of  mean  proportion  between  the  more  solid 
and  delicate  orders.  Its  column  is  nine  diameters  high ;  its 
capital  is  adorned  with  volutes,  and  its  cornice  has  dentals. 
There  is  both  delicacy  and  ingenuity  displayed  in  this 
pillar,  the  invention  of  which  is  attributed  to  the  Ionians, 
as  the  famous  temple  of  Diana,  at  Ephesus,  was  of  this  order. 
It  is  said  to  have  been  formed  after  the  model  of  an  agree- 
able young  woman,  of  an  elegant  shape,  dressed  in  her  hair; 
as  a  contrast  to  the  Doric  order,  which  was  formed  after  that 
of  a  strong,  robust  man. 

THE    CORINTHIAN, 

The  richest  of  the  five  orders,  is  deemed  a  masterpiece  of 
art.  Its  column  is  ten  diameters  high,  and  its  capital  is 
adorned  with  two  rows  of  leaves,  and  eight  volutes,  which 


SECOND  SECTION.  49 

sustains  the  abacus.  The  frieze  is  ornamented  with  curious 
devices,  the  cornice  with  dentals  and  modillions.  This  order 
is  used  in  stately  and  superb  structures. 

ON   THE   INVENTION   OF   THIS   ORDER. 

It  was  invented  at  Corinth,  by  Callimachus,  who  is  said  to 
have  taken  the  hint  of  the  capital  of  this  pillar  from  the 
following  remarkable  circumstances.  Accidentally  passing 
by  the  tomb  of  a  young  lady,  he  perceived  a  basket  of  toys, 
covered  with  a  tile,  placed  over  an  acanthus  root,  having  been 
left  there  by  her  nurse.  As  the  branches  grew  up,  they 
encompassed  the  basket,  till,  arriving  at  the  tile,  they  met 
with  an  obstruction,  and  bent  downward.  Callimachus, 
struck  with  the  object,  set  about  imitating  the  figure;  the 
vase  of  the  capital  he  made  to  represent  the  basket;  the 
abacus  the  tile;  and  the  volutes  the  bending  leaves. 


Is  compounded  of  the  other  orders,  and  was  contrived  by 
the  Romans.  Its  capital  has  the  two  rows  of  leaves  of  the 
Corinthian,  and  the  volutes  of  the  Ionic.  Its  column  has 
the  quarter-round  as  the  Tuscan  and  Doric  order,  is  ten 
diameters  high,  and  its  cornice  has  dentals,  or  simple  modil- 
lions. This  pillar  is  generally  found  in  buildings  where 
strength,  elegance  and  beauty  are  displayed. 

OF  THE  INVENTION  OF  ORDER  IN  ARCHITECTURE. 

The  ancient  and  original  orders  of  architecture,  revered  by 
Masons,  are  no  more  than  three,  the  Doric,  Ionic,  and  Cor- 
inthian, which  were  invented  by  the  Greeks.     To  these  the 
6 


50  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

Romans  have  added  two:  the  Tuscan,  which  they  made 
plainer  than  the  Doric;  and  the  Composite,  which  was  more 
ornamental,  if  not  more  beautiful,  than  the  Corinthian.  The 
first  three  orders  alone,  however,  show  invention  and  particu- 
lar character,  and  essentially  differ  from  each  other;  the  two 
others  having  nothing  but  what  is  borrowed,  and  differ  only 
accidentally;  the  Tuscan  is  the  Doric  in  its  earliest  state;  and 
the  Composite  is  the  Corinthian  enriched  with  the  Ionic.  To 
the  Greeks,  therefore,  and  not  to  the  Romans,  we  are  indebted 
for  what  is  great,  judicious  and  distinct  in  architecture. 

OF  THE  FIVE  SENSES  OF  HUMAN  NATURE. 

An  analysis  of  the  human  faculties  is  next  given  in  this 
section,  in  which  the  five  external  senses  particularly  claim 
attention:  these  are,  hearing,  seeing,  feeling,  smelling  and 
tasting. 

HEARING 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  sounds,  and  are 
capable  of  enjoying  all  the  agreeable  charms  of  music.  By  it 
we  are  enabled  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  society,  and  recipro- 
cally to  communicate  to  each  other  our  thoughts  and  inten- 
tions, our  purposes  and  desires;  while  thus  our  reason  is 
capable  of  exerting  its  utmost  power  and  energy. 

The  wise  and  beneficent  Author  of  Nature  intended,  by  the 
formation  of  this  sense,  that  we  should  be  social  creatures, 
and  receive  the  greatest  and  most  important  part  of  our 
knowledge  by  the  information  of  others.  For  these  purposes 
we  are  endowed  with  hearing,  that,  by  a  proper  exertion  of 
our  natural  powers,  our  happiness  may  be  complete. 


SECOND   SECTION.  51 

SEEING 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  objects,  and  in  an 
instant  of  time,  without  change  of  place  or  situation,  view 
armies  in  battle  array,  figures  of  the  most  stately  structures, 
and  all  the  agreeable  variety  displayed  in  the  landscape  of 
nature.  By  this  sense  we  find  our  way  in  the  pathless  ocean, 
traverse  the  globe  of  earth,  determine  its  figure  and  dimen- 
sions, and  delineate  any  region  or  quarter  of  it.  By  it  we 
measure  the  planetary  orbs,  and  make  new  discoveries  in  the 
sphere  of  the  fixed  stars.  Nay,  more  :  by  it  we  perceive  the 
tempers  and  dispositions,  the  passions  and  affections,  of  our 
fellow-creatures,  when  they  wish  most  to  conceal  them ;  so 
that,  though  the  tongue  may  be  taught  to  lie  and  dissemble, 
the  countenance  would  display  hypocrisy  to  the  discerning 
eye.  In  fine,  the  rays  of  light  which  administer  to  this  sense, 
are  the  most  astonishing  parts  of  the  animated  creation,  and 
render  the  eye  a  peculiar  object  of  admiration. 

Of  all  the  faculties,  sight  is  the  noblest.  The  structure  of 
the  eye,  and  its  appurtenances,  evinces  the  admirable  contri- 
vance of  nature  for  performing  all  its  various  external  and 
internal  motions ;  while  the  variety  displayed  in  the  eyes  of 
different  animals  suited  to  their  several  ways  of  life,  clearly 
demonstrate  this  organ  to  be  the  masterpiece  of  nature's  work. 

FEELING 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  the  different  qualities 
of  bodies  ;  such  as  heat  and  cold,  hardness  and  softness,  rough- 
ness and  smoothness,  figure,  solidity,  motion  and  extension. 

These  three  senses,  hearing,  seeing,  and  feeling,  are 
deemed  peculiarly  essential  among  Masons. 


52  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

SMELLING 

Is  that  sense  by  which  we  distinguish  odors,  the  various 
kinds  of  which  convey  different  impressions  to  the  mind. 
Animal  and  vegetable  bodies,  and  indeed  most  other  bodies, 
while  exposed  to  the  air,  continually  send  forth  effluvia  of 
vast  subtilty,  as  well  in  the  state  of  life  and  growth  as  in  the 
state  of  fermentation  and  putrefaction.  These  effluvia,  being 
drawn  into  the  nostrils  along  with  the  air,  are  the  means  by 
which  all  bodies  are  smelled.  Hence  it  is  evident,  that  there 
is  a  manifest  appearance  of  design  in  the  great  Creator's 
having  planted  the  organ  of  smell  in  the  inside  of  that  canal, 
through  which  the  air  continually  passes  in  respiration. 

TASTING 

Enables  us  to  make  a  proper  distinction  in  the  choice  of 
aur  food.  The  organ  of  this  sense  guards  the  entrance  of  the 
alimentary  canal,  as  that  of  smelling  guards  the  entrance  of 
the  canal  for  respiration.  From  the  situation  of  both  these 
organs,  it  is  plain  that  they  were  intended  by  nature  to 
distinguish  wholesome  food  from  that  which  is  nauseous. 
Everything  that  enters  into  the  stomach  must  undergo  the 
scrutiny  of  tasting  ;  and  by  it  we  are  capable  of  discerning 
the  changes  which  the  same  body  undergoes  in  the  different 
compositions  of  art,  cookery,  chemistry,  pharmacy,  etc. 

Smelling  and  tasting  are  inseparably  connected,  and  it  is 
by  the  unnatural  kind  of  life  men  commonly  lead  in  society, 
that  these  senses  are  rendered  less  fit  to  perform  their  natural 
offices. 

On  the  mind  all  our  knowledge  must  depend :  what,  there- 
fore, can  be  a  more  proper  subject  for  the  investigation  of 


SECOND   DEGREE.  53 

Masons?  By  anatomical  dissection  and  observation,  we  be- 
come acquainted  with  the  body;  but  it  is  by  the  anatomy  of 
the  mind  alone  we  discover  its  powers  and  principles. 

To  sum  up  the  whole  of  this  transcendent  measure  of  God's 
bounty  to  man,  we  shall  add,  that  memory,  imagination,  taste, 
reasoning,  moral  perception,  and  all  the  active  powers  of  the 
soul,  present  a  vast  and  boundless  field  for  philosophical  dis- 
quisition, which  far  exceed  human  inquiry,  and  are  peculiar 
mysteries,  known  only  to  nature,  and  to  nature's  God,  to 
whom  we  and  all  are  indebted  for  creation,  preservation,  and 
every  blessing  we  enjoy. 

OF  THE  SEVEN  LIBERAL  ARTS  AND  SCIENCES. 

The  seven  liberal  Arts  and  Sciences  (Grammar,  Rhetoric, 
Logic,  Arithmetic,  Geometry,  Music  and  Astronomy),  are 
next  illustrated  in  this  section :  it  may  not,  therefore,  be 
improper  to  insert  here  a  short  explanation  of  them.1 

GRAMMAR. 

Grammar  teaches  the  proper  arrangement  of  words,  accord- 
ing to  the  idiom  or  dialect  of  any  particular  people;  and  that 
excellency  of  pronunciation,  which  enables  us  to  speak  or 
write  a  language  with  accuracy,  agreeably  to  reason  and  cor- 
rect usage. 

RHETORIC. 

Rhetoric  teaches  us  to  speak  copiously  and  fluently  on  any 
subject,  not  merely  with  propriety  alone,  but  with  all  the  ad- 

1  The  full  explanations,  with  their  Masonic  applications,  are  conveyed 
in  the  lectures  of  the  enlightened  Master,  whose  mind  is  stored  with 
knowledge,  and  whose  experience  has  shown  him  the  readiest  method 
of  directing  it. 


54  FELLOW    CRAFT. 

vantages  of  force  and  elegance  ;  wisely  contriving  to  captivate 
the  hearer  by  strength  of  argument  and  beauty  of  expression, 
whether  it  be  to  entreat  and  exhort,  to  admonish  or  applaud. 

LOGIC. 

Logic  teaches  us  to  guide  our  reason  discretionally  in  the 
general  knowledge  of  things,  and  directs  our  inquiries  after 
truth.  It  consists  of  a  regular  train  of  argument,  whence  we 
infer,  deduce,  and  conclude,  according  to  certain  premises 
laid  down,  admitted,  or  granted ;  and  in  it  are  employed  the 
faculties  of  conceiving,  judging,  reasoning,  and  disposing  j  all 
of  which  are  naturally  led  on  from  one  gradation  to  another, 
till  the  point  in  question  is  finally  determined. 

ARITHMETIC. 

Arithmetic  teaches  the  powers  and  properties  of  numbers, 
which  is  variously  effected,  by  letters,  tables,  figures  and 
instruments.  By  this  art  reasons  and  demonstrations  are 
given,  for  finding  out  any  certain  number,  whose  relation  or 
affinity  to  another  is  already  known  or  discovered. 

GEOMETRY,  OR  THE  FIFTH  SCIENCE. 

Geometry  treats  of  the  powers  and  properties  of  magnitudes 
in  general,  where  length,  breadth,  and  thickness,  are  con- 
sidered, from  a  point  to  a  line,  from  a  line  to  a  superficies,  and 
from  a  superficies  to  a  solid. 

A  point  is  a  dimensionless  figure;  or  an  indivisible  part 
of  space. 

A  line  is  a  point  continued,  and  a  figure  of  one  capacity, 
namely,  length. 

A  superficies  is  a  figure  of  two  dimensions,  namely,  length 
and  breadth. 


SECOND     DEGREE.  55 

A  solid  is  a  figure  of  three  dimensions,  namely,  length, 
breadth,  and  thickness. 

OF   THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  GEOMETRY. 

By  this  science,  the  architect  is  enabled  to  construct  his 
plans,  and  execute  his  designs;  the  general  to  arrange  his 
soldiers ;  the  engineer  to  mark  out  ground  for  encampments; 
the  geographer  to  give  us  the  dimensions  of  the  world,  and 
all  things  therein  contained,  to  delineate  the  extent  of  seas, 
and  specify  the  divisions  of  empires,  kingdoms  and  provinces. 
By  it,  also,  the  astronomer  is  enabled  to  make  his  observa- 
tions, and  to  fix  the  duration  of  times  and  seasons,  years 
and  cycles.  In  fine,  geometry  is  the  foundation  of  architec- 
ture, and  the  root  of  the  mathematics. 

MUSIC. 

Music  teaches  the  art  of  forming  concords,  so  as  to  com- 
pose delightful  harmony,  by  a  mathematical  and  proportional 
arrangement  of  acute,  grave  and  mixed  sounds.  This  art,  by 
a  series  of  experiments,  is  reduced  to  a  demonstrative  science, 
with  respect  to  tones,  and  the  intervals  of  sound.  It  inquires 
into  the  nature  of  concords  and  discords,  and  enables  us  to 
find  out  the  proportion  between  them  by  numbers. 

ASTRONOMY. 

Astronomy  is  that  divine  art,  by  which  we  are  taught  to 
read  the  wisdom,  strength  and  beauty  of  the  Almighty 
Creator,  in  those  sacred  pages,  the  celestial  hemisphere. 
Assisted  by  astronomy,  we  can  observe  the  motions,  measure 
the  distances,  comprehend  the  magnitudes,  and  calculate  the 
periods  and  eclipses  of  the  heavenly  bodies.      By  it  we  learn 


56  FELLOW   CRAFT. 

tha  use  of  the  globes,  the  system  of  the  world,  and  the  pre- 
liminary law  of  nature.  While  we  are  employed  in  the  study 
of  this  science,  we  must  perceive  unparalleled  instances  of 
wisdom  and  goodness,  and,  through  the  whole  creation,  trace 
the  glorious  Author  by  his  works. 


OF  THE  MORAL  ADVANTAGES  OF  GEOMETRY. 

From  this  theme  we  proceed  to  illustrate  the  moral  advan- 
tages of  Geometry  j  a  subject  on  which  the  following  obser- 
vations may  not  be  unacceptable: 

Geometry,  the  first  and  noblest  of  sciences,  is  the  basis  on 
which  the  superstructure  of  Masonry  is  erected.  By  geome- 
try, we  may  curiously  trace  nature,  through  her  various  wind- 
ings, to  her  most  concealed  recesses.  By  it,  we  discover  the 
power,  the  wisdom,  and  the  goodness  of  the  Grand  Artificer 
of  the  Universe,  and  view  with  delight  the  proportions  which 
connect  this  vast  machine.  By  it  we  discover  how  the  planets 
move  in  their  different  orbits,  and  demonstrate  their  various 
revolutions.  By  it  we  account  for  the  return  of  seasons,  and 
the  variety  of  scenes  which  each  season  displays  to  the  dis- 
cerning eye.  Numberless  worlds  are  around  us,  all  framed 
by  the  same  Divine  artist,  which  roll  through  the  vast  ex- 
panse, and  all  conducted  by  the  same  unerring  law  of 
nature. 

A  survey  of  nature,  and  the  observations  of  her  beautiful 
proportions,  first  determined  man  to  imitate  the  Divine  plan, 
and  study  symmetry  and  order.  This  gave  rise  to  societies, 
and  birth  to  every  useful  art.  The  architect  began  to  design, 
and    the    plans  which    he    laid   down,    being    improved    by 


SECOND   SECTION. 


57 


58  FELLOW  CRAFT. 

experience  and  time,  have  produced  works  which  are  the 
admiration  of  every  age. 

The  lapse  of  time,  the  ruthless  hand  of  ignorance,  and  the 
devastations  of  war,  have  laid  waste  and  destroyed  many  val- 
uable monuments  of  antiquity,  on  which  the  utmost  exer- 
tions of  human  genius  have  been  employed.  Even  the 
Temple  of  Solomon,  so  spacious  and  magnificent,  and  con- 
structed by  so  many  celebrated  artists,  escaped  not  the 
unsparing  ravages  of  barbarous  force.  Freemasonry,  not- 
withstanding, has  still  survived.  The  attentive  ear  receives 
the  sound  from  the  instructive  tongue,  and  the  mysterios  of 
Masonry  are  safely  lodged  in  the  repository  of  faithful  breasts. 
Tools  and  implements  of  architecture  are  selected  by  the 
fraternity,  to  imprint  on  the  memory  wise  and  serious 
truths;  and  thus,  through  a  succession  of  ages,  are  trans- 
mitted unimpaired  the  excellent  tenets  of  our  institution. 

Thus  end  the  two  sections  of  the  second  lecture,  which, 
with  the  ceremony  used  at  opening  and  closing  the  Lodge, 
comprehend  the  whole  of  the  second  degree  of  Masonry. 
This  lecture  contains  a  regular  system  of  science,  demon- 
strated on  the  clearest  principles,  and  established  on  the 
firmest  foundation.1 

CHARGE   AT   INITIATION  INTO   THE   SECOND   DEGREE. 

Brother  :  —  Being  advanced  to  the  second  degree  of 
Masonry,  we  congratulate  you  on  your  preferment.  The 
internal,  and  not  the  external  qualifications  of  a  man,  are 
what  Masonry  regards.  As  you  increase  in  knowledge,  you 
Will  improve  in  social  intercourse. 

It   is  unnecessary  to  recapitulate   the  duties  which,  as  * 

1  For  closing  Odes  suitable  to  this  Degree,  see  the  Appendix. 


SECOND  SECTION.  59 

Mason,  you  are  bound  to  discharge  or  enlarge  on  the  neces- 
sity of  a  strict  adherence  to  them,  as  your  own  experience 
must  have  established  their  value. 

Our  laws  and  regulations  you  are  strenuously  to  support  ; 
and  be  always  .ready  to  assist  in  seeing  them  duly  executed. 
You  are  not  to  palliate,  or  aggravate,  the  offenses  of  your 
brethren ;  but,  in  the  decision  of  every  trespass  against  our 
rules,  you  are  to  judge  with  candor,  admonish  with  friend- 
ship, and  reprehend  with  justice.1 

The  study  of  the  liberal  arts,  that  valuable  branch  of  edu- 
cation, which  tends  so  effectually  to  polish  and  adorn  the 
mind,  is  earnestly  recommended  to  your  consideration  ;  espe- 
cially the  science  of  geometry,  which  is  established  as  the 
basis  of  our  art.  Geometry,  or  Masonry,  originally  synony- 
mous terms,  being  of  a  divine  and  moral  nature,  is  enriched 
with  the  most  useful  knowledge ;  while  it  proves  the  won- 
derful properties  of  nature,  it  demonstrates  the  more  impor- 
tant truths  of  morality. 

Your  past  behavior  and  regular  deportment  have  merited 
the  honor  which  we  have  now  conferred ;  and  in  your  new 
character  it  is  expected  that  you  will  conform  to  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Order,  by  steadily  persevering  in  the  practice  of 
every  commendable  virtue. 

Such  is  the  nature  of  your  engagements  as  a  Fellow-craft, 
and  to  these  duties  you  are  bound  by  the  most  sacred  ties.2 

•  The  decision  of  all  cases  of  discipline  is  left  by  general  usage  to 
Masters'  Lodges  alone. 

2  In  the  first  edition,  that  of  1797,  the  following  injunctions  were 
added :  "  All  regular  signs  and  summonses,  given  and  received,  you 
are  duly  to  honor  and  punctually  to  obey,  inasmuch  as  they  consist 
with  our  professed  principles.  You  are  to  supply  the  wants  and  relievo 
the  necessities  of  your  brethren  to  the  utmost  of  your  power  and 
ability,  and  on  no  account  are  you  to  wrong  them  or  see  them  wronged, 
but  apprise  them  of  approaching  danger,  and  view  their  interests  as 
inseparable  from  your  own." 


60  MASTER  MASON. 

CHAPTER  IX. 

REMARKS   ON   THE   THIRD   DEGREE. 

From  this  class  the  rulers  of  regular  bodies  of  Masons,  in 
the  first  three  degrees,  are  selected ;  as  it  is  only  from  those 
who  are  capable  of  giving  instruction,  that  we  can  properly 
expect  to  receive  it.  The  lecture  of  this  degree,  considered 
separately  from  the  duties  and  ceremonies  appertaining  to 
the  degree  of  Presiding  or  Past  Master,  is  divided  into  three 
sections.1 

THE  FIRST  SECTION. 

The  ceremony  of  initiation  into  the  Third  Degree  is  par- 
ticularly specified  in  this  branch  of  the  lecture,  and  here 
many  other  useful  instructions  are  given. 

Such  is  the  importance  of  this  section,  that  we  may  safely 
declare,  that  the  person  who  is  unacquainted  with  it,  is  illy 
qualified  to  act  as  a  ruler  or  governor  of  the  work. 

u  In  our  private  assemblies,  as  a  Craftsman,  you  may  offer  your  sen- 
timents and  opinions  on  such  subjects  as  are  regularly  introduced  in 
the  Lecture.  By  this  privilege  you  may  improve  your  intellectual 
powers,  qualify  yourself  to  become  a  useful  member  of  society,  and 
like  a  skillful  Brother  strive  to  excel  in  everything  that  is  good  and 
great." 

i  For  appropriate  Odes  to  the  opening  of  the  Lodge  of  Master  Masons, 
Bee  Appendix. 

No  person  should  be  allowed  to  advance  from  the  Middle  Chamber 
to  the  Holy  of  Holies,  until  he  is  proficient  in  the  last  degree.  A  fair 
proficiency  consists  in  committing  the  first  section  of  the  lecture,  but  a 
thorough  proficiency  in  committing  the  whole  to  memory,  learning  to 
open  and  close  the  Lodge,  and  to  confer  the  degree  of  Fellow-craft. 

By  general  usage,  an  interval  of  one  month  or  more  is  required 
between  the  second  and  third  degrees. 


THE  THIRD  DEGREE.  61 


SCRIPTURAL  SELECTIONS. 

"Remember  now  thy  Creator  in  the  days  of  thy  youth,  while 
the  evil  days  come  not,  nor  the  years  draw  nigh,  when  thou  shalt 
say  I  have  no  pleasure  in  them;  while  the  sun,  or  the  light,  or 
the  moon,  or  the  stars,  be  not  darkened,  nor  the  clouds  return 
after  the  rain:  in  the  day  when  the  keepers  of  the  house  shall 
tremble,  and  the  strong  men  shall  bow  themselves,  and  the  grinders 
cease  because  they  are  few,  and  those  that  look  out  of  the  windows 
be  darkened,  and  the  doors  shall  be  shut  in  the  streets,  when  the 
sound  of  the  grinding  is  low,  and  he  shall  rise  up  at  the  voice  of 
the  bird,  and  all  the  daughters  of  music  shall  be  brought  low ;  also 
when  they  shall  be  afraid  of  that  which  is  high,  and  fears  shall  be 
in  the  way,  and  the  almond  tree  shall  nourish,  and  the  grasshopper 
shall  be  a  burden,  and  desire  shall  fail :  because  man  goeth  to  his 
long  home,  and  the  mourners  go  about  the  streets:  or  ever  the 
silver  cord  be  loosed,  or  the  golden  bowl  be  broken,  or  the  pitcher 
be  broken  at  the  fountain,  or  the  wheel  broken  at  the  cistern.  Then 
Bhall  the  dust  return  to  the  earth  as  it  was :  and  the  spirit  shall 
ireturn  Unto  God  who  gave  it." — Eccles.  xii. 

PARAPHRASE   OP  THE   ABOVE  FOR  MTJSIO. 

Let  us  remember  in  our  youth, 

Before  the  evil  days  draw  nigh, 
Our  Great  Creator,  and  his  Truth, 

Ere  memory  fail,  and  pleasures  fly; 
Or  sun  or  moon,  or  planet's  light 

Grow  dark,  or  clouds  return  in  gloom ; 
Ere  vital  spark  no  more  incite  ; 

When  strength  shall  bow  and  years  consume. 

Let  us  in  youth  remember  Him ! 

Who  formed  our  frame,  and  spirits  gave 
Ere  windows  of  the  mind  grow  dim, 

Or  door  of  speech  obstructed  wave ; 
When  voice  of  bird  fresh  terror  wake, 

And  music's  daughters  charm  no  more, 
Or  fear  to  rise,  with  trembling  shake, 

Along  the  path  we  travel  o'er. 


62 


MASTER   MASON. 


In  youth,  to  God  let  memory  cling, 

Before  desire  shall  fail  or  wane, 
Or  e'er  be  loosed  life's  silver  string, 

Or  bowl  at  fountain  rent  in  twain ; 
For  man  to  his  long  home  doth  go, 

And  mourners  group  around  his  urn! 
Our  dust  to  dust  again  must  now, 

And  spirits  unto  God  return. 


FRIENDSHIP. 


MORALITY. 


BROTHERLY  LOVE. 


The  working  tools  of  a  Master  Mason,  which  are  illustrated 
in  this  section,  are  all  the  implements  of  Masonry  indiscrimi- 
nately, but  more  especially  the  trowel. 


SECOND    SECTION. 

The    Trowel   is   an   instrument 
made  use  of  by  operative  Masons, 
to  spread  the  cement  which  unites 
a  building  into  one  common  mass; 

but  we,  as  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  are  taught  to  make 
use  of  it  for  the  more  noble  and  glorious  purpose  of  spread- 
ing the  cement  of  Brotherly  love  and  affection;  that  cement 
which  unites  us  into  one  sacred  band,  or  society  of  friends 
and  brothers,  among  whom  no  contention  should  ever  exist, 
but  that  noble  contention,  or  rather  emulation,  of  who  best 
can  work,  or  rather  best  agree. 

THE  SECOND  SECTION. 

This  section  recites  the  historical  traditions  of  the  Order, 
and  presents  to  view  a  finished  picture,  of  the  utmost  con- 
sequence to  the  fraternity.  It  exemplifies  an  instance  of 
virtue,  fortitude,  and  integrity,  seldom  equaled,  and  never 
excelled,  in  the  history  of  man. 

PRAYER    AT    RAISING    A    BROTHER    TO    THE    SUBLIME   DEGREE 
OF  A  MASTER  MASON. 

Thou,  O  God!  knowest  our  down  sitting  and  our  up  rising,  and 
understandest  our  thought  afar  off.  Shield  and  defend  us  from 
the  evil  intentions  of  our  enemies,  and  support  us  under  the  trials 
and  afflictions  we  are  destined  to  endure,  while  traveling  through 
this  vale  of  tears.  Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman,  is  of  few  days 
and  full  of  trouble.  He  eometh  forth  as  a  flower,  and  is  cut  down; 
he  fleeth  also  as  a  shadow,  and  continueth  not.  Seeing  his  days 
are  determined,  the  number  of  his  months  are  with  thee;  thou  hast 
appointed  his  bounds  that  he  can  not  pass;  turn  from  him  that  he 
may  rest,  till  he  shall  accomplish  his  day.  For  there  is  hope  of  a 
tree,  if.it  be  cut  down,  that  it  will  sprout  again,  and  that  the  tender 
branch  thereof  will  not  cease.  But  man  dieth  and  wasteth  away; 
yea,  man  giveth  up  the  ghost,  and  where  is  he  ?  As  the  waters  fail 
from  the  sea,  and  the  flood  decayeth  and  drieth  up,  so  man  lieth 
down,  and  risetb  not  up  till  the  heavens  shall  be  no  more.     Yet, 


64 


MASTER   MASON. 


O  Lord!  have  compassion  on  the  children  of  thy  creation,  admin- 
ister them  comfort  in  time  of  trouble,  and  save  them  with  an  ever- 
lasting salvation.     Amen.     So  mote  it  be.1 


THE  THIRD  SECTION. 

The  third  section  illustrates  certain  hieroglyphical  em- 
blems, and  inculcates  many  useful  lessons,  to  extend  knowl- 
edge, and  promote  virtue. 

In  this  branch  of  the  lecture,  many  particulars  relative  to 
King  Solomon's  Temple  are  considered. 

The  construction  of  this  grand  edifice  was  attended  with 
two  remarkable  circumstances.  From  Josephus  we  learn, 
that  although  seven  years  were  occupied  in  building  it,  yet 
during  the  whole  term  it  rained  not  in  the  day  time,  that 
the  workmen  might  not  be  obstructed  in  their  labor;  and 
from  the  sacred  history  it  appears  that  there  was  neither  the 
sound  of  the  hammer,  nor  ax,  nor  any  tool  of  iron,  Heard  in 
the  house,  while  it  was  building. 

1  This  prayer  is  an  adaptation  from  the  xivth  chapter  of  Job. 


66 


MASTER  MASON. 


This  famous  fabric  was  supported  by  fourteen  hundred  and 
fifty-three  columns,  and  two  thousand  nine  hundred  and  six 
pilasters;  all  hewn  from  the  finest  Parian  marble.  There 
were  employed  in  its  building,  three  Grand  Masters;  three 
thousand  and  three  hundred  masters,  or  overseers  of  the 
work;  eighty  thousand  Fellow-crafts;  and  seventy  thousand 
Entered  Apprentices,  or  bearers  of  burdens.  All  these  were 
classed  and  arranged  in  such  a  manner  by  the  wisdom  of 
Solomon,  that  neither  envy,  discord,  nor  confusion  were  suf- 
fered to  interrupt  that  universal  peace  and  tranquillity,  which 
pervaded  the  world  at  this  important  period.1 


i  For  ample  particulars  relative  to  this  Sacred  Edifice,  see  the  Uhiver* 
$al  Masonic  Library,  volumes  xi.,  xii.,  and  others. 


THIRD  SECTION.  67 

THE   POT   OF  INCENSE 

Is  an  emblem  of  a  pure  heart,  which  is  al- 
ways an  acceptable  sacrifice  to  the  Deity;  and, 
as  this  glows  with  fervent  heat,  so  should  our  r~ 
hearts  continually  glow  with  gratitude  to  the 
great  and  beneficent  Author  of  our  existence 
for  the  manifold  blessings  and  comforts  we  en- 
joy. 

THE    BEE-HIVE 

Is  an  emblem  of  industry,  and  recommends  the  practice  of 
that  virtue  to  all  created  beings,  from  the  highest  seraph  in 
heaven,  to  the  lowest  reptile  in  the  dust.  It  teaches  us,  that 
as  we  came  into  the  world  rational  and  intelligent  beings,  so 
we  should  ever  be  industrious  ones,  never  «• 

sitting  down   contented  while  our  fellow-  ^   ••-^jL,  •*, 

creatures  around  us  are  in  want,  when  it  is  Vi^ggiHE  • 
in  our  power  to  relieve  them,  without  in-  ^^^^^^L 
convenience  to  ourselves. 

When  we  take  a  survey  of  nature,  we  view  man,  in  his  in- 
fancy, more  helpless  and  indigent  than  the  brutal  creation  : 
he  lies  languishing  for  days,  months  and  years,  totally  inca- 
pable of  providing  sustenance  for  himself,  of  guarding  against 
the  wild  beasts  of  the  field,  or  sheltering  himself  from  the 
inclemencies  of  the  weather. 

It  might  have  pleased  the  great  Creator  of  heaven  and  earth 
to  have  made  man  independent  of  all  other  beings  ;  but,  as 
dependence  is  one  of  the  strongest  bonds  of  society,  mankind 
were  made  dependent  on  each  other  for  protection  and  secu- 
rity, as  they 'thereby  enjoy  better  opportunities  of  fulfilling 
the  duties  of  reciprocal  love  and  friendship.  Thus  was  man 
formed  for  social  and  active  life,  the  noblest  part  of  the  work 


68 


MASTER   MASON. 


of  God ;  and  he  that  will  so  demean  himself  as  not  to  be  en- 
deavoring to  add  to  the  common  stock  of  knowledge  and  under- 
standing, may  be  deemed  a  drone  in  the  hive  of  nature,  a  useless 
nember  of  society,  and  unworthy  of  our  protection  as  Masons. 

THE   BOOK   OP   CONSTITUTIONS,  GUARDED  BY   THE   TYLER'S 
SWORD, 

Reminds  us  that  we  should  be  ever 
watchful  and  guarded  in  our  thoughts, 
words  and  actions,  particularly  when 
before  the  enemies  of  Masonry,  ever  bearing  in  remembrance 
those  truly  Masonic  virtues,  silence  and  circumspection. 

THE   SWORD,    POINTING   TO   A   NAKED   HEART, 

Demonstrates  that  justice  will  sooner 
or  later  overtake  us  ;  and  although  our 
thoughts,  words,  and  actions,  may  be 
hidden  from  the  eyes  of  man,  yet  that 

ALL-SEEING   EYE, 


Whom  the  Sun,  Moon,  and  Stars  obey,  and  under  whose 
watchful  care  even  Comets  perform  their  stupendous  revolu- 


THIRD   SECTION.  69 

tions,  pervades  the  inmost  recesses  of  the  human  heart,  and 
will  reward  us  according  to  our  merits. 

THE   ANCHOR    AND   ARK 

Are  emblems  of  a  well- 
grounded  hope,  and  a  well- 
spent  life.  They  are  emblem- 
atical of  that  divine  ark  which 
safely  wafts  us  over  this  tem- 
pestuous sea  of  troubles,  and  that  anchor  which  shall  safely 
moor  us  in  a  peaceful  harbor,  where  the  wicked  cease  from 
troubling,  and  the  weary  shall  find  rest. 

THE   FORTY-SEVENTH   PROBLEM    OP   EUCLID1 

Was  an  invention  of  our  ancient  friend  and 
Brother,  the  great  Pythagoras,  who,  in  his 
travels  through  Asia,  Africa,  and  Europe, 
was  initiated  into  several  orders  of  priest- 
hood, and  raised  to  the  sublime  degree  of  a 
Master  Mason.  This  wise  philosopher  enriched  his  mind 
abundantly  in  a  general  knowledge  of  things,  and  more 
especially  in  Geometry  or  Masonry:  on  this  subject  he  drew 
out  many  problems  and  theorems,  and  among  the  most  dis- 
tinguished, he  erected  this,  which,  in  the  joy  of  his  heart,  he 
called  Eureka,  in  the  Grecian  language  signifying,  I  have 
found  it;  and  upon  the  discovery  of  which,  he  is  said  to  have 
sacrificed  a  hecatomb.  It  teaches  Masons  to  be  general 
lovers  of  the  arts  and  sciences. 

1  [Theorem.] — In  any  right-angled  triangle,  the  square  which  is  de- 
Bcribed  upon  the  side  subtending  the  right  angle,  is  equal  to  the  squares 
described  upon  the  sides  which  contain  the  right  angle. — Euclia,  liu  I, 
Frop.  47. 


70 


MASTER  MASON, 


THE    HOUR-GLASS 

Is  an  emblem  of  human  life.  Be- 
hold !  how  swiftly  the  sands  run,  and 
how  rapidly  our  lives  are  drawing  to 
a  close.  We  can  not,  without  aston- 
ishment, behold  the  little  particles 
which  are  contained  in  this  machine, 
how  they  pass  away  almost  impercep- 
tibly, and  yet,  to  our  surprise,  in  the  short  space  of  an  hour, 
they  are  all  exhausted.  Thus  wastes  man  !  to-day,  he  puts 
forth  the  tender  leaves  of  hope ;  to  morrow,  blossoms,  and 
bears  his  blushing  honors  thick  upon  him ;  the  next  day 
comes  a  frost,  which  nips  the  shoot,  and  when  he  thinks  his 
greatness  is  still  aspiring,  he  falls,  like  autumn  leaves,  to 
enrich  our  mother  earth. 

THE   SCYTHE, 

Is  an  emblem  of  time,  which  cuts 
the  brittle  thread  of  life,  and  launches 
us  into  eternity..  Behold!  what  havoc 
the  scythe  of  time  makes  among  the 
human  race  ;  if  by  chance  we  should  escape  the  numerous 
evils  incident  to  childhood  and  youth,  and  with  health  and 
vigor  arrive  to  the  years  of  manhood,  yet  withal  we  must 
soon  be  cut  down  by  the  all-devouring  scythe  of  time,  and  be 
gathered  into  the  land  where  our  fathers  have  gone  before  us. 

THE  THREE  STEPS, 

Usually  delineated  upon  the  Master's  Carpet, 
are  emblematical  of  the  three  principal  stages 
of  human  life,  viz :  youth,  manhood,  and  age. 


THIRD   SECTION. 


71 


In  youth,  as  Entered  Apprentices,  we  ought  industriously  to 
occupy  our  minds  in  the  attainment  of  useful  knowledge  ;  in 
manhood,  as  Fellow-crafts,  we  should  apply  our  knowledge  to 
the  discharge  of  our  respective  duties  to  God,  our  neighbors, 
and  ourselves;  that  so  in  age,  as  Master  Masons,  we  may 
enjoy  the  happy  reflections  consequent  on  a  well-spent  life, 
and  die  in  the  hope  of  a  glorious  immortality. 


72  MASTER  MASON. 


CHARGE  AT  INITIATION  INTO  THE  THIRD  DEGREE. 

Brother: — Your  zeal  for  the  institution  of  Masonry,  the 
progress  you  have  made  in  the  mystery,  and  your  conformity 
to  our  regulations,  have  pointed  you  out  as  a  proper  object 
of  our  favor  and  esteem. 

You  are  now  bound  by  duty,  honor  and  gratitude,  to  be 
faithful  to  your  trust ;  to  support  the  dignity  of  your 
character  on  every  occasion ;  and  to  enforce,  by  precept  and 
example,  obedience  to  the  tenets  of  the  Order. 

In  the  character  of  a  Master  Mason,  you  are  authorized  to 
correct  the  errors  and  irregularities  of  your  uninformed 
brethren,  and  to  guard  them  against  a  breach  of  fidelity. 
To  preserve  the  reputation  of  the  fraternity  unsullied,  must 
be  your  constant  care :  and  for  this  purpose  it  is  your 
province  to  recommend  to  your  inferiors,  obedience  and 
submission ;  to  your  equals,  courtesy  and  affability,  to  your 
superiors,  kindness  and  condescension.  Universal  benevo- 
lence you  are  always  to  inculcate ;  and,  by  the  regularity  of 
your  own  behavior,  afford  the  best  example  for  the  conduct 
of  others  less  informed.  The  ancient  landmarks  of  the 
Order,  intrusted  to  your  care,  you  are  carefully  to  preserve ; 
and  never  suffer  them  to  be  infringed,  or  countenance  a 
deviation  from  the  established  usages  and  customs  of  the 
fraternity. 

Your  virtue,  honor  and  reputation  are  concerned  in  sup- 
porting with  dignity  the  character  you  now  bear.  Let  no 
motive,  therefore,  make  you  swerve  from  your  duty,  violate 
your  vows,  or  betray  your  trust;  but  be  true  and  faithful,  and 
imitate  the  example  of  that  celebrated  artist  whom  you  this 
evening  represent.  Thus  you  will  render  yourself  deserving 
of  the  honor  which  we  have  conferred,  and  merit  the  confi- 
dence that  we  have  reposed. 


THE 


CAPITULAR  DEGREES: 


CONSISTING  OF 


THE  MARK  MASTER,  THE  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER, 
AND  THE  ROYAL  ARCH, 


COMPOSING 


THE  SECOND  ORDER  IN  MASONRY, 


The  Capitular  Degrees  are  conferred  in  a  Body  styled  a 
Chapter.  The  ballot  is  taken  in  the  last  or  Royal  Arch  De- 
gree :  the  same  rules  of  balloting  are  observed  as  in  a  Lodge. 
All  discipline  exercised  by  a  Blue  Lodge,  such  as  suspension 
and  expulsion,  is  indorsed  by  the  Chapter  without  question ; 
in  addition  to  which  it  has  a  discipline  of  its  own  for  offenses 
peculiar  to  its  own  regulations. 

Not  less  than  nine  can  open,  work,  or  close  a  Chapter,  and 
this  is  independent  of  the  Tyler. 

The  whole  system  of  Capitular  Masonry  as  practiced  in  the 
United  States,  was  organized  in  the  latter  part  of  the  18th 
century,  and  owes  the  greater  part  of  its  intellectual  beauty 
and  arrangement  to  Mr.  Webb. 

7  (73) 


MAKE  MASTER. 

CHAPTER  X. 

REMARKS  ON  THE  FOURTH,  OR  MARK  MASTER'S  DEGREE. 

This  degree  of  Masonry  was  not  less  useful  in  its  original 
institution,  nor  are  its  effects  less  beneficial  to  mankind,  than 
those  which  precede  it. 

By  the  influence  of  this  degree,  each  operative  Mason,  at 
the  erection  of  the  Temple  of  Solomon,  was  known  and  dis- 
tinguished by  the  Senior  Grand  Warden. 

By  its  effects  the  disorder  and  confusion  that  might  other- 
wise have  attended  so  immense  an  undertaking  was  com- 
pletely prevented  ;  and  not  only  the  Craftsmen  themselves, 
who  were  eighty  thousand  in  number,  but  every  part  of  their 
workmanship,  was  discriminated  with  the  greatest  nicety  and 
the  utmost  facility.  If  defects  were  found,  by  the  help  of  this 
degree,  the  overseers  were  enabled  without  difficulty  to  ascer- 
tain who  was  the  faulty  workman ;  so  that  deficiencies  might 
be  remedied,  without  injuring  the  credit,  or  diminishing  the 
reward,  of  the  industrious  and  faithful  of  the  Craft. 

CHARGE   TO   BE   READ    AT   OPENING   THE   LODGE. 

"  Wherefore,  brethren,  lay  aside  all  malice,  and  guile,  and 
hypocrisies,  and  envies,  and  all  evil  speakings  : 

"  If  so  be  ye  have  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gracious  :  To 
whom  coming  as  unto  a  living  stone,  disallowed  indeed  of 
men,  but  chosen  of  God,  and  precious,  ye  also,  as  lively 
stones,  are  built  up  a  spiritual  house,  an  holy  priesthood,  to 
offer  up  spiritual  sacrifices  acceptable  to  God. 

"  Wherefore,  also  it  is  contained  in  the  Scriptures,  Behold, 
I  lay  in  Zion,  for  a  foundation,  a  tried  stone,  a  precious 
corner-stone,  a  sure  foundation  ;  he  that  believeth  shall  not 
make  haste  to  pass  it  over.     Unto  you,  therefore,  which  be- 

(75) 


76 


MARK    MASTER. 


lieve,  it  is  an  honor  ;  and  even  to  them  which  be  disobedient, 
the  stone  which  the  builders  disallowed,  the  same  is  made  the 
head  of  the  corner. 

"  Brethren,  this  is  the  will  of  God,  that  with  well-doing  ye 
put  to  silence  the  ignorance  of  foolish  men.  As  free,  and  not 
using  your  liberty  for  a  cloak  of  maliciousness,  but  as  the 
servants  of  God.  Honor  all  men,  love  the  brotherhood,  fear 
God/'— 2  Pet.  ii :  1  to  17.1 

REMARKS   ON   THE   FOURTH    LECTURE. 

THE  FIRST  SECTION. 

The  first  section  explains  the  manner  of  convocating  and 
opening  a  Mark  Master's  Lodge.  It  teaches  the  stations  and 
duties  of  the  respective  officers,  and  recapitulates  the  mystic 
ceremony  of  introducing  a  candidate. 

In  this  section  is  exemplified  the  regularity  and  good  order 
that  were  observed  by  the  Craftsmen  on  Mount  Libanus,  and 
in  the  plains  and  quarries  of  Zeredatha,  and  it  ends  with  a 
beautiful  display  of  the  manner  in  which  one  of  the  principal 
events  originated,  which  characterizes  this  degree. 


^ 


A 


i '  i '  i  ■  i 


7 


y 


l  !  I  I  I  !  I 


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\y 


I 'l !  I  I  I 


7 


i  The  regular  officers  of  a  Mark  Master's  Lodge  are,  1.  Right  Wor- 
shipful Master;  2.  Worshipful  Senior  Warden;  3.  Worshipful  Junior 
Warden;  4.  Master  Overseer;  5.  Senior  Overseer;  6.  Junior  Overseer; 
7.  Senior  Deacon ;  8.  Junior  Deacon. 

Although  the  antiquity  of  this  degree  can  not  he  demonstrated,  and 
its  origin  is  obscure,  yet,  for  beauty  of  ceremonial,  impressiveness  of 
principles,  and  the  readiness  with  which  the  degree  is  made  available  in 
practice  between  Brother  and  Brother,  there  is  no  other  which  excels  it 


SECOND    SECTION.  77 


THE  SECOND  SECTION. 

In  the  second  section  the  Mark  Master  is  particularly 
instructed  in  the  origin  and  history  of  this  degree,  and  the 
indispensable  obligations  he  is  under  to  stretch  forth  his 
assisting  hand  to  the  relief  of  an  indigent  and  worthy 
brother,  to  a  certain  and  specified  extent. 

The  progress  made  in  architecture,  particularly  in  the  reign 
of  Solomon,  is  remarked;  the  numbers  of  artists  employed  in 
the  building  the  Temple  of  Jerusalem,  and  the  privileges 
they  enjoyed,  are  specified;  the  mode  of  rewarding  merit,  and 
of  punishing  the  guilty,  are  pointed  out;  and  the  marks  of 
distinction  which  were  conferred  on  our  ancient  brethren,  as 
the  rewards  of  excellence,  are  named. 

In  the  course  of  the  lecture,  the  following  texts  of  Scrip- 
ture are  introduced  and  explained,  viz  : 

To  him  that  overcometh  will  I  give  to  eat  of  the  hidden 
manna,  and  will  give  him  a  white  stone,  and  in  the  stone  a 
new  name  written,  which  no  man  knoweth  saving  him  that 
receiveth  it. — Rev.  ii:  17. 

And  we  will  cut  wood  out  of  Lebanon,  as  much  as  thou 
shalt  need;  and  we  will  bring  it  to  thee  in  floats  by  sea  to 
Joppa,  and  thou  shalt  carry  it  up  to  Jerusalem. — 2  Chron. 
ii:  16. 

The  stone  which  the  builders  refused,  is  become  the  head 
stone  of  the  corner. — Psalm  cxviii:  22. 

Did  ye  never  read  in  the  Scriptures,  The  stone  which  the 
builders  rejected,  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner? — Matt. 
xxi:  42. 

And  have  ye  not  read  this  Scripture,  The  stone  which  the 
builders  rejected;  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner? — Mark 
xii:  10. 

What  is  this,  then,  that  is  written,  The  stone  which  the 
builders  rejected,  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner? — Luke 
xx :  17. 

This  is  the  stone  which  was  set  at  naught  of  you  builders, 
which  is  become  the  head  of  the  corner. — Acts  iv:  11. 

He  that  hath  an  ear  to  hear,  let  him  hear. — Rev.  iii :  11. 

Then  he  brought  me  back  the  way  of  the  gate  of  the  out- 
ward sanctuary,  which  looketh  toward  the  East,  and  it  was 
shut.     Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me,  This  gate  shall  be  shut, 


78  MARK   MASTER. 

it  shall  not  be  opened,  and  no  man  shall  enter  in  by  it; 
because  the  Lord,  the  God  of  Israel,  hath  entered  in  by  it, 
therefore  it  shall  he  shut.  It  is  for  the  prince;  the  prince  he 
shall  sit  in  it  to  eat  bread  before  the  Lord;  he  shall  enter  by 
the  way  of  the  porch  of  that  gate,  and  shall  go  out  by  the 
way  of  the  same.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  me,  Son  of  man, 
mark  well,  and  behold  with  thine  eyes,  and  hear  with  thine 
ears,  all  that  I  say  unto  thee  concerning  all  the  ordinances 
of  the  House  of  the  Lord,  and  all  the  laws  thereof;  and  mark 
icell  the  entering  in  of  the  house,  with  every  going  forth  of 
the  sanctuary. — Ezekiel  xliv  :  1-3,  5. 

The   working   tools  of  a  Mark  Master  are  the  Chisel  and 
Mallei. 

The  Chisel  morally  demonstrates  the  advan- 
tages of  Discipline  and  Education.  The  mind, 
like  the  diamond  in  its  original  state,  is  rude 
and  unpolished ;  but,  as  the  effect  of  the  chisel 
on  the  external  coat  soon  presents  to  view  the 
latent  beauties  of  the  diamond,  so  education 
discovers  the  latent  virtues  of  the  mind,  and  draws  them  forth 
to  range  the  large  field  of  matter  and  space,  to  display  the 
summit  of  human  knowledge,  our  duty  to  God  and  to  man. 

The  Mallet  morally  teaches  to  correct  irregu- 
larities, and  to  reduce  man  to  a  proper  level ;  so 
that  by  quiet  deportment,  he  may,  in  the  school 
of  discipline,  learn  to  be  content.  What  the 
mallet  is  to  the  workman,  enlightened  reason  is 
to  the  passions  ;  it  curbs  ambition,  it  depresses 
envy,  it  moderates  anger,  and  it  encourages  good  disposi- 
tions j  whence  arises,  among  good  Masons,  that  comely  order, 

"Which  nothing  earthly  gives,  or  can  destroy — 
The  soul's  calm  sunshine,  and  the  heart-frit  joy." 


CHARGE.  79 


CHARGE  TO  BE  DELIVERED   WHEN  A  CANDIDATE  IS  ADVANCED 
TO   THE    FOURTH   DEGREE. 

Brother: — I  congratulate  yon  on  having  been,  thought 
worthy  of  being  promoted  to  this  honorable  degree  of 
Masonry.  Permit  me  to  impress  it  upon  your  mind,  that 
your  assiduity  should  ever  be  commensurate  with  your  duties, 
which  become  more  and  more  extensive  as  you  advance  in 
Masonry. 

The  situation  to  which  you  are  now  promoted  will  draw 
upon  you  not  only  the  scrutinizing  eyes  of  the  world  at 
large,  but  those  also  of  your  brethren,  on  whom  this  degree 
of  Masonry  has  not  been  conferred;  all  will  be  justified  in 
expecting  your  conduct  and  behavior  to  be  such  as  may  with 
safety  be  imitated. 

In  the  honorable  character  of  Mark  Master,  it  is  more 
particularly  your  duty  to  endeavor  to  let  your  conduct  in  the 
Lodge  and  among  your  brethren,  be  such  as  may  stand  the 
test  of  the  Grand  Overseer's  square,  that  you  may  not,  like 
the  unfinished  and  imperfect  work  of  the  negligent  and 
unfaithful  of  former  times,  be  rejected  and  thrown  aside,  as 
unfit  for  that  spiritual  building,  that  house  not  made  with 
hands,  eternal  in  the  heavens. 

While  such  is  your  conduct,  should  misfortune  assail  you, 
should  friends  forsake  you,  should  envy  traduce  your  good 
name,  and  malice  persecute  you;  yet  may  you  have  confi- 
dence, that  among  Mark  Masters,  you  will  find  friends  who 
will  administer  relief  to  your  distresses,  and  comfort  your 
afflictions;  ever  bearing  in  mind,  as  a  consolation  under  all 
the  frowns  of  fortune,  and  as  an  encouragement  to  hope  for 
better  prospects,  that  the  stone  which  the  builders  rejected,  pos- 
sessing merits  to  them  unknown,  became  the  chief  stone  of  the 
comer. 

Previous  to  closing  the  Lodge,  the  following  Parable  is 
recited: 

"  For  the  kingdom  of  Heaven  is  like  unto  a  man  that  is  an 
householder,  which  went  out  early  in  the  morning  to  hire 
laborers  into  his  vineyard.  And  when  he  had  agreed  with 
the  laborers  for  a  penny  a  day,  he  sent  them  into  his  vine- 
yard. And  he  went  out  about  the  third  hour,  and  saw  others 
standing  idle  in  the  market-place,  and  said  unto  them,  Go  ye 


80 


MARK  MASTER. 


also  into  the  vineyard,  and  whatsoever  is  right  I  will  give 
you.  And  they  went  their  way.  Again  he  went  out  about 
the  sixth  and  ninth  hour  and  did  likewise.  And  about  the 
eleventh  hour,  he  went  out,  and  found  others  standing  idle, 
and  saith  unto  them,  Why  stand  ye  here  all  the  day  idle? 
They  say  unto  him,  Because  no  man  hath  "hired  us.  He 
saith  unto  them,  Go  ye  also  into  my  vineyard,  and  whatso- 
ever is  right,  that  shall  ye  receive.  So  when  even  was  come, 
the  lord  of  the  vineyard  saith  unto  his  steward,  Call  the 
laborers,  and  give  them  their  hire,  beginning  from  the  last 
unto  the  first.  And  when  they  came  that  were  hired  about 
the  eleventh  hour,  they  received  every  jnan  a  penny.  But 
when  the  first  came,  they  supposed  that  they  should  have 
received  more,  and  they  likewise  received  every  man  a  penny. 
And  when  they  had  received  it,  they  murmured  against  the 
good  man  of  the  house,  saying,  These  last  have  wrought  but 


CHARGE. 


81 


one  hour,  and  thou  hast  made  them  equal  unto  us,  which 
have  borne  the  burden  and  heat  of  the  day.  But  he  answered 
one  of  them,  and  said,  Friend,  I  do  thee  no  wrong;  didst  not 


rlfW 


thou  agree  with  me  for  a  penny?  Take  that  thine  is,  and  go 
thy  way;  I  will  give  unto  this  last  even  as  unto  thee.  Is 
it  not  lawful  for  me  to  do  what  I  will  with  mine  own  ?  Is 
thine  eye  evil  because  I  am  good  ?  So  the  last  shall  be  first, 
and  the  first  last;  for  many  be  called,  but  few  chosen." — 
Matt,  xx :  1-16. 

The  ceremony  of  closing  a  Lodge,  in  this  degree,  when 
properly  conducted,  is  peculiarly  interesting.  It  assists  in 
strengthening  the  social  affections ;  it  teaches  us  the  duty  we 
owe  to  our  brethren  in  particular,  and  the  whole  family  of 
mankind  in  general,  by  ascribing  praise  to  the  meritorious, 
and  dispensing  rewards  to  the  diligent  and  industrious. 


82 


MARK    MASTER. 

MARK   MASTERS'   ODE 


ADAPTED  AND  ARRANGED  BY  BRO.  JAS.  B.  TAYLOR. 


rt 


PIANOFORTE  jfe^z^zj^ 
MELODEON.  1 


4^- 


4-4- 


mJi I      i- 


1.  Mark  Masters     all     appear,   Before       the  Chief  O'erseer, 

2.  You  who  have  pass'd  the  square,  For  your  re  -  ward  prepare, 


WHj, 


s 


em 


t        *I3EF — HI  '      '  zrH-1 ^— FFl      I      h: 


l       |       f 

In         con  -  cert  move 
Join     heart  and   hand 


Let     him   your  work    in  -  spect,  For    the    Chief 
Each  with     his    mark    in      view,  March  with  the 

^— n r 


J    Js  -a           J^i     rn     J.    f    J     J 

-J-4H--H- 

_P — 5 — * — ,? — Lf  -f"4 — r — * — ' — ' 

-j p — r_i_j „J 1^    1   | j h_L__ 

Ar  -  chi  -  tect,    If      there       be         no      de  -  feet,    He 
just  and    true,    Wa   -   ges        to         you     are  due,    At 

-?*—? — r  — t— i — i    -i — ^-J-  e 

will    approve, 
your  command. 

_| ]/ j 0 — 0 J 0±—d * — f_ 

-i — j-^-m 

Hiram,  the  widow's  son, 
Sent  unto  Solomon 

Our  great  key-stone ; 
On  it  appears  the  name 
Which  raises  high  the  fame 
Of  all  to  whom  the  same 

la  truly  known. 


4  Now  to  the  westward  move, 
Where,  full  of  strength  and  love, 

Hiram  doth  stand ; 
But  if  impostors  are 
Mixed  with  the  worthy  there, 
Caution  them  to  beware 

Of  the  right  hand. 


—CEREMONIES.— 


5  Now  to  the  praise  of  those 
Who  triumph'd  o'er  the  foes 

Of  Mason's  art ; 
To  the  praiseworthy  three, 
Who  founded  this  degree, 
May  all  their  virtues  be 

Deep  in  our  hearts. 


PAST  MASTER. 


pg p  i !  j '  i !  \ !  i !  1 1  itthtpwttwh !  i !  1 1 ; ;  i ;  g 
CHAPTEE  XI. 

OBSERVATIONS  ON  THE  DEGREE   OF  PRESENT  OR  PAST  MASTER. 

This  degree  should  be  carefully  studied,  and  well   under- 
stood, by  every  Master  of  a  Lodge.     It  treats  of  the  govern- 

v83) 


84  PAST  MASTER. 

merit  of  our  society,  and  the  disposition  of  our  rulers;  and 
illustrates  their  requisite  qualifications.  It  includes  the  cere- 
mony of  opening  and  closing  Lodges  in  the  several  preceding 
degrees;  and  also  the  forms  of  installation  and  consecration, 
in  the  Grand  Lodge,  as  well  as  private  Lodges.  It  compre- 
hends the  ceremonies  at  laying  the  foundation-stones  of  pub- 
lic buildings,  and  also  at  dedications  and  at  funerals,  by  a 
variety  of  particulars  explanatory  of  those  ceremonies.1 


REMARKS  ON  THE  FIFTH   LECTURE. 

THE  FIRST  SECTION. 

OF    THE    MANNER    OF   CONSTITUTING    A    LODGE    OF    MASTER 

MASONS. 

Any  number  of  Master  Masons,  not  under  seven,  desirous 
of  forming  a  new  Lodge,  must  apply,  by  petition,  to  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  in  which  they  reside.2 

This  petition,  being  signed  by  at  least  seven  regular 
Masons,  and  recommended  by  a  Lodge,  or  Lodges,  adjacent 
to  the  place  where  the  new  Lodge  is  to  be  holden,  is  deliv- 
ered to  the  Grand  Secretary,  who  lays  it  before  the  Grand 
Lodge. 

If  the  petition  meets  the  approbation  of  the  Grand  Lodge, 
they  generally  order  a  dispensation  to  be  issued,  which  is 
signed  by  the  Grand,  or  Deputy  Grand  Master,3  and  authorizes 

•  In  Masonic  strictness  this  degree  should  be  given  to  none,  save 
those  who  are  regularly  elected  to  govern  a  Symbolical  Lodge.  The 
deviation  from  tlus  rule,  in  favor  of  Royal  Arch  Masonry,  has  not  been 
to  the  credit  of  the  degree,  nor  to  the  advantage  of  the  Craft. 

No  person  should  be  allowed  to  take  the  degree  of  Past  Master,  at 
least  until  he  has  made  himself  thoroughly  proficient  in  the.  three 
degrees  of  Symbolical  Masonry,  is  able  to  open  and  close  the  Lodges, 
confer  the  degrees  with  dramatic  effectiveness,  and  give  the  lectures  of 
each  from  memory. 

The  regular  officers  of  a  Past  Masters'  Lodge  correspond  exactly  with 
a  Lodge  of  Master  Masons.  The  titles  are,  Right  Worshipful  Master, 
Worshipful  Senior,  and  Worshipful  Junior  Warden. 

2  For  Form  of  Petition  and  Dispensation,  see  Appendix. 

3  That  is,  according  to  the  particular  usage  of  the  Grand  Lodge  having 
jurisdiction. 


FIRST  SECTION.  85 

the  petitioners  to  assemble  as  a  legal  Lodge  for  a  certain 
specified  term  of  time.1 

In  some  jurisdictions,  the  Grand  and  Deputy  Grand  Mas- 
ters, respectively,  are  invested  with  authority  to  grant  dispen- 
sations, at  pleasure,  during  the  recess  of  the  Grand  Lodge; 
in  others,  they  are  never  issued  without  the  special  direction 
of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

Lodges  working  under  dispensations  are  considered  merely 
as  agents  of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  their  presiding  officers  are 
not  entitled  to  the  rank  of  Past  Masters  ;  their  officers  are 
not  privileged  with  a  vote  or  voice  in  the  Grand  Lodge ;  they 
can  not  change  their  officers  without  the  special  approbation 
and  appointment  of  the  Grand  Lodge  ;  and  in  case  of  the 
cessation  of  such  Lodges,  their  funds,  jewels,  and  other  pro- 
perty accumulated  by  initiations  into  the  several  degrees, 
become  the  property  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and  must  be  deliv- 
ered over  to  the  Grand  Treasurer. 

When  Lodges,  that  are  at  first  instituted  by  dispensation, 
have  passed  a  proper  term  of  probation,  they  make  applica- 
tion to  the  Grand  Lodge  for  a  charter  of  constitution.2  If 
this  be  obtained,  they  are  then  confirmed  in  the  possession 
of  their  property,  and  possess  all  the  rights  and  privileges  of 
regularly  constituted  Lodges,  as  long  as  they  conform  to  the 
constitutions  of  Masonry.3 

After  a  charter  is  granted  by  the  Grand  Lodge,  the  Grand 
Master  appoints  a  day  and  hour  for  constituting  and  conse- 
crating the  new  Lodge,  and  for  installing  its  Master,  Wardens, 
and  other  officers. 

If  the  Grand  Master,  in  person,  attends  the  ceremony,  the 
Lodge  is  said  to  be  constituted  in  ample  form;  if  the  Deputy 
Grand  Master  only,  it  is  said  to  be  constituted  in  due  form; 
but  if  the  power  of  performing  the  ceremony  is  vested  in  a 
Subordinate  Lodge,  it  is  said  to  be  constituted  in  form. 

When  Charters  of  Constitution  are  granted  for  places  where 
the  distance  is  so  great  as  to  render  it  inconvenient  for  the 
Grand  officers  to  attend,  the  Grand  Master,  or  his  Deputy, 

1  The  usage  is,  that  all  Dispensations  terminate  on  the  first  day  of  the 
subsequent  Grand  Annual  Communication  of  the  Grand  Lodge. 

3  For  Form  of  Charter,  or  Warrant,  see  Appendix. 

3  The  forfeiture  or  resignation  of  a  Charter,  however,  works  a  total 
forfeiture  of  all  property,  real  or  personal,  which  was  in  its  possession 
at  the  period  of  its  demise. 


86  PAST  MASTER. 

issues  a  written  instrument  under  his  hand  and  private  seal, 
to  some  worthy  Present  or  Past  Master,  with  full  power  to 
congregate,  constitute  -and  install  the  petitioners.1 

CEREMONY  OP  CONSTITUTION  AND  CONSECRATION. 

On  the  day  and  hour  appointed,  the  Grand  Master  and 
his  officers  meet  in  a  convenient  room,  near  to  that  in  which 
the  Lodge  to  be  constituted  is  assembled,  and  open  the 
Grand  Lodge  in  the  three  degrees  of  Masonry. 

The  officers  of  the  new  Lodge  are  to  be  examined  by  the 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  after  which  they  return  to  their 
Lodge. 

The  new  Lodge  then  sends  a  messenger  to  the  Grand 
Master  with  the  following  message,  viz  : 

"  Most  Worshipful  : — The  officers  and  brethren  of 

Lodge,  who  are  now  assembled  at have  instructed  me 

to  inform  you,  that  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  [or 
Grand  Master]  was  pleased  to  grant  them  a  letter  of  dispen- 
sation, bearing  date  the  . .  day  of ,  in  the  year , 

authorizing  them  to    form  and   open    a  Lodge  of  Free   and 

Accepted  Masons,  in  the   town  of ;  that   since  that 

period  they  have  regularly  assembled,  and  conducted  the 
business  of  Masonry  according  to  the  best  of  their  abilities ; 
that  their  proceedings  having  received  the  approbation  of  the 
M.  W.  Grand  Lodge,  they  have  obtained  a  charter  of  con- 
stitution, and  are  desirous  that  their  Lodge  should  be  con- 
secrated, and  their  officers  installed,  agreeably  to  the  ancient 
usages  and  customs  of  the  Craft ;  for  which  purpose  they 
are  now  met,  and  await  the  pleasure  of  the  most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master." 

He  then  returns  to  his  Lodge,  who  prepare  for  the  recep- 
tion of  the  Grand  Lodge.  When  notice  is  given  that  they 
are  prepared,  the  Grand  Lodge  walk  in  the  procession  to  their 
hall.  When  the  Grand  Master  enters,  the  grand  honors2 
are  given  by  the  new  Lodge ;  the  officers  of  which  resign 
their  seats  to  the  Grand  Officers,  and  take  their  several  sta- 
tions on  the  left. 

lFor  Form  of  Dispensation  to  install  officers,  see  Appendix. 

8  These  are  the  private  Grand  Honors,  which  can  not  be  described  here. 


FIRST  SECTION.  87 

The  necessary  cautions  are  then  given,  and  all,  excepting 
Masters  and  Past  Masters  of  Lodges,  are  requested  to  retire 
until  the  Master  of  the  new  Lodge  is  placed  in  the  Chair  of 
Solomon.  He  is  then  bound  to  the  faithful  performance 
of  his  trust,  and  invested  with  the  characteristics  of  the 
Chair.1 

Upon  due  notice,  the  Grand  Marshal  reconducts  the  Breth- 
ren into  the  hall,  and  all  take  their  places  except  the  members 
of  the  new  Lodge,  who  form  a  procession  on  one  side  of  the 
hall,  to  salute  their  Master.  As  they  advance,  the  Grand 
Master  addresses  them,  "Brethren,  behold  your  Master  !"  As 
they  pass,  they  make  the  proper  salutation  ;  and  when  they 
have  all  passed,  he  joins  them,  and  takes  his  appropriate  sta- 
tion. 

A  grand  procession  is  then  formed,  in  the  following  order, 
viz.: 

Tyler,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 

Two  Stewards,  with  White  Rods. 

Entered  Apprentices. 

Fellow  Crafts. 

Master  Masons. 

Stewards. 

Junior  Deacons. 

Senior  Deacons. 

Secretaries, 

Treasurers. 

Past  Wardens. 

Junior  Wardens. 

Senior  Wardens. 

Past  Masters. 

Royal  Arch  Masons. 

Knights  Templar. 

Masters  of  Lodges. 

The  New  Lodge. 

Tyler,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 

Stewards,  with  White  Rods. 

Entered  Apprentices. 

Fellow  Crafts. 

Master  Masons. 

Deacons. 

1  The  usage  has  heretofore  been  to  throw  around  this  a  ceremony  of 
marked  dramatic  effect.  At  the  Triennial  Convention  of  the  General 
Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  1856,  it  was  recommended  that  the  drama  be 
omitted;  but  the- advice  has  not  been  generally  accepted,  and  the  usage, 
in  most  jurisdictions,  is  continued  as  before. 


88  PAST   MASTER. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Two  Brethren,  carrying  the  Lodge.l 

Junior  and  Senior  Wardens. 

The  Holy  Writings,  carried  by  the  Oldest 

Member,  not  in  Office. 

The  Master. 

Music. 


The  Grand  Lodge. 

Grand  Tyler,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 

Grand  Stewards-,  with  White  Rods. 

A  Brother,  carrying  a  Golden  Vessel  of  Corn.2 

Two  Brethren,  carrying  Silver  Vessels,  one  of 

Wine,  the  other  of  Oil. 

Grand  Secretaries. 

Grand  Treasurers. 

A  Burning  Taper,  borne  by  a  Past  Master. 

A  Past  Master,  bearing  the  Holy  Writings. 

Square  and  Compass,  supported  by  two  Stewards,  with  Rods, 

Two  Burning  Tapers,  borne  by  the  two  Past  Masters. 

Clergy  and  Orator. 

The  Tuscan  and  Composite  Orders. 

The  Doric,  Ionic  and  Corinthian  Orders. 

Past  Grand  Wardens. 

Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters. 

Past  Grand  Masters. 

The  Globes. 

Junior  and  Senior  Grand  Wardens. 

Right  Worshipful  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

The  Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge,  carrying  the 

Book  of  Constitutions. 

The  M.  W.  Grand  Master. 

The  Grand  Deacons,  on  a  line  seven  feet  apart,  on  the  right 

and  left  of  the  Grand  Master,  with  Black  Rods. 

Grand  Sword  Bearer,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 

Two  Stewards,  with  White  Rods. 

The  whole  procession  moves  on  to  the  church  or  house 
where  the  services  are  to  be  performed.  When  the  front  of 
the  procession  arrives  at  the  door,  they  halt,  open  to  the  right 
and  left,  and  face  inward,  while  the  Grand  Master,  and  others 
in  succession,  pass  through  and  enter  the  house. 

A  platform  is  erected  in  front  of  the  pulpit,  and  provided 
with  seats  for  the  accommodation  of  the  Grand  Officers. 

The  Bible,  square  and  compass,  and  book  of  constitutions! 

1  Flooring.—  Webb.  2  Wheat.—  Webb. 


FIRST  SECTION.  89 

are  placed  upon  a  table,  in  front  of  the  Grand  Master;  the 
lodge  is  placed  in  the  center,  upon  the  platform,  covered  with 
white  satin  or  linen,  and  encompassed  by  the  three  tapers 
and  the  vessels  of  corn,  wine,  and  oil. 

A  piece  of  music  is  performed,  and  the  public  services  com- 
mence with  prayer.  An  oration,  or  sermon,  upon  the  design 
and  principles  of  the  institution,  is  then  delivered  by  the 
Grand  Chaplain,  or  some  one  appointed  for  that  purpose, 
which  is  succeeded  by  a  piece  of  music. 

'ihe  Grand  Marshal  then  directs  the  officers  and  members 
of  the  new  Lodge  to  form  in  front  of  the  Grand  Master.  The 
Deputy  G-rand  Master  addresses  the  Grand  Master,  as  fol- 
lows : 

"  Most  Worshipful  :— A  number  of  brethren,  duly  in- 
structed in  the  mysteries  of  Masonry,  having  assembled  to- 
gether, at  stated  periods,  for  some  time  past,  by  virtue  of  a 
dispensation  granted  them  for  that  purpose,  do  now  desire  to 
be  constituted  into  a  regular  Lodge,  agreeably  to  the  ancient 
usages  and  customs  of  the  Fraternity." 

Their  Secretary  then  delivers  the  dispensation  and  records 
to  the  Master  elect,  who  presents  them  to  the  Grand  Master. 

The  Grand  Master  examines  the  records,  and  if  they  are 
found  correct,  proclaims, 

"The  records  appear  to  be  properly  entered,  and  are  ap- 
proved. Upon  due  deliberation,  the  Grand  Lodge  have 
granted  the  Brethren  of  this  new  Lodge  a  Charter,  confirm- 
ing them  in  the  rights  and  privileges  of  a  regular  constituted 
Lodge,  which  the  Grand  Secretary  will  now  read." 

After  the  Charter  is  read,  the  Grand  Master  then  says : 

"  We  shall  now  proceed,  according  to  ancient  usage,  to 
constitute  these  Brethren  into  3,  regular  Lodge." 

Whereupon  the  several  officers  of  the  new  Lodge  deliver  up 
their  jewels  and  badges  to  their  Master,  who  presents  them, 
with  his  own,  to  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  he  to  the 
Grand  Master. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  now  presents  the  Master  elect 
of  the  new  Lodge  to  the  Grand  Master,  saying : 


"  Most  Worshipful  : — I  present  you,  Brother 
8 


90  PAST   MASTER. 

•whom  the  members  of  the  Lodge  now  to  be  constituted  have 
chosen  for  their  Master." 

The  Grand  Master  asks  them  if  they  remain  satisfied  with 
\heir  choice.     (They  bow  in  token  of  assent.) 

The  Master  then  presents,  severally,  his  Wardens,  and  other 
ohcers,  naming  them  and  their  respective  offices.  The  Grand 
Master  asks  the  Brethren  if  they  remain  satisfied  with  each 
and  all  of  them.      (They  bow  as  before.) 

The  officers  and  members  of  the  new  Lodge  then  form  in 
the  broad  aisle,  in  front  of  the  Grand  Master ;  and  the  busi- 
ness of  consecration  commences  with  solemn  music. 

CEREMONY  OF  CONSECRATION. 

The  Grand  Master,  attended  by  the  Grand  Officers  and  the 
Grand  Chaplain,  form  themselves  in  order  round  the  Lodge, 
which  is  then  uncovered.  All  devoutly  kneeling,  the  first 
clause  of  the  consecration  prayer  is  rehearsed,  as  follows, 
viz. : 

"Great  Architect  of  the  Universe  !  Maker  and  Ruler  of  all 
Worlds  !  deign,  from  thy  celestial  Temple,  from  realms  of 
light  and  glory,  to  bless  us  in  all  the  purposes  of  our  present 
assembly  ! 

"We  humbly  invoke  Thee  to  give  us,  at  this  and  at  all 
times,  wisdom  in  all  our  doings,  strength  of  mind  in  all  our 
difficulties,  and  the  beauty  of  harmony  in  all  our  communica- 
tions! 

"Permit  us,  0  thou  Author  of  Light  and  Life,  great  source 
of  Love  and  Happiness,  to  erect  this  Lodge,  and  now  solemnly 
to  consecrate  it  to  the  honor  of  Thy  glory  ! 

"  Glory  be  to  God  on  high." 

[Response  by  the  Brethren.'] — u  As  it  was  in  the  beginning, 
is  now,  and  ever  shall  be!     Amen/' 

During  the  response,  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  Grand 
Wardens,  take  the  vessels  of  corn,  wine,  and  oil,  and  sprinkle 
the  elements  of  consecration  upon  the  Lodge. 

[The  Grand  Chaplain  then  continues.^ 

"Grant,  0  Lord  our  God,  that  those  who  are  now  about 
to  be  invested  with  the  government  of  this  Lodge,  may  be 


FIRST   SECTION.  91 

endued  with  wisdom  to  instruct  their  brethren  in  all  their 
duties.  May  brotherly  love,  relief  and  truth,  always  prevail 
among  the  members  of  this  Lodge;  and  may  this  bond  of 
union  continue  to  strengthen  the  Lodges  throughout  the 
world! 

"Bless  all  our  brethren,  wherever  dispersed;  and  grant 
speedy  relief  to  all  who  are  either  oppressed  or  distressed. 

"  We  affectionately  commend  to  Thee  all  the  members  of 
Thy  whole  family.  May  they  increase  in  the  knowledge  of 
Thee,  and  in  the  love  of  each  other. 

"  Finally :  May  we  finish  all  our  work  here  below  with 
thine  approbation  ;  and  then  have  our  transition  from  this 
earthly  abode  to  Thy  Heavenly  Temple  above,  there  to  enjoy 
light,  glory  and  bliss,  ineffable  and  eternal  I 

"Glory  be  to  God  on  high!" 

[Response  by  the  Brethren.'] — "As  it  was  in  the  beginning, 
is  now,  and  ever  shall  be!     Amen,  so  mote  it  be!     Amen!" 

Then  succeeds  solemn  music,  while  the  Lodge  is  covered. 
The  Grand  Chaplain  then  dedicates  the  Lodge,  in  the  fol- 
lowing terms : 

"  To  the  memory  of  HOLY  SAINT  JOHN,  we  dedicate 
this  Lodge.  May  every  Brother  revere  his  character  and 
imitate  his  virtues. 

"  Glory  be  to  God  on  high  ! " 

[Response.'] — "As  it  was  in  the  beginning,  is  now,  and  ever 
shall  be,  world  without  end.    Amen!  so  mote  it  be!     Amen!" 

A  piece  of  music  is  then  performed,  while  the  Brethren 
of  the  new  Lodge  advance  in  procession  to  salute  the  Grand 
Lodge,  with  their  hands  crossed  upon  their  breasts,  and 
bowing  as  they  pass.  They  then  take  their  places,  and  stand 
as  they  were.  • 

The  Grand  Master  then  rises,  and  constitutes  the  new 
Lodge  in  the  form  following: 

"In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge,  I  now 
constitute  and  form  you,  my  good  brethren,  into  a  Lodge  of 
Free  and  Accepted  Masons.  From  henceforth  I  empower  you 
to  act  as  a  regular  Lodge,  constituted  in  conformity  to  the 
rites  of  our  Order,  and  the  charges  of  our  ancient  and  honor« 


92  PAST  MASTER. 

able  fraternity;  and  may  the  Supreme  Architect  of  the  Uni' 
verse  prosper,  direct  and  counsel  you  in  all  your  doings." 

[Response  by  all  the  Brethren.'] — "So  mote  it  be!" 

The  ceremony  of  installation  then  succeeds.1 


THE  SECOND  SECTION. 

CEREMONY     OP    INSTALLATION. 

The  Grand  Master2  asks  his  Deputy,  "Whether  he  has 
examined  the  Master  nominated  in  the  Warrant,  and  finds 
him  well  skilled  in  the  noble  science  and  the  royal  art."  The 
Deputy,  answering  in  the  affirmative,3  by  the  Grand  Master's 
order,  takes  the  candidate  from  among  his  fellows,  and 
presents  him  at  the  pedestal,  saying,  "Most  Worshipful 
Grand  Master,  I  present  my  worthy  Brother,  A.  B.,  to  be 
installed  Master  of  this  new  Lodge.  I  find  him  to  be  of 
good  morals,  and  of  great  skill,  true  and  trusty;  and  as  he 
is  a  lover  of  the  whole  fraternity,  wheresoever  dispersed  over 
the  face  of  the  earth,  I  doubt  not  that  he  will  discharge  his 
duty  with  fidelity." 

The  Grand  Master  then  addresses  him: 

"Brother: — Previous  to  your  investiture,  it  is  necessary 
that  you  should  signify  your  assent  to  those  ancient  charges 
and  regulations  which  point  out  the  duty  of  a  Master  of  a 
Lodge." 

The  Grand  Master  then  reads,  or  orders  to  be  read,  a  sum- 

1  The  Installation  Covenant  should  be  taken  by  every  officer,  whether 
elected  or  appointed.  This  is,  of  course,  taken  in  the  Lodge,  open  in 
either  degree;  but  the  installation  itself  may  be,  and  often  is,  performed 
in  public. 

No  person  can  be  legally  installed  Master  of  a  Lodge  until  he  has 
received  the  degree  (or  order)  of  Past  Master.  In  Virginia,  by  modern 
usage,  even  a  Warden  elect  must  have  this  degree  before  he  can  be 
installed. 

2  In  this,  and  other  similar  instances,  where  the  Grand  Master  is 
specified  in  acting,  may  be  understood  any  Master  who  performs  the 
ceremony. —  Webb. 

3  A  private  examination  is  understood  to  precede  the  installation  of 
every  officer. —  Webb. 


SECOND  SECTION.  93 

mary  of  the  ancient  charges  to  the  Master  elect,  as  follows, 


1.  You  agree  to  be  a  good  man  and  true,  and  strictly  to 
obey  the  moral  law. 

2.  You  agree  to  be  a  peaceable  subject,  and  cheerfully  to 
conform  to  the  laws  of  the  country  in  which  you  reside. 

3.  You  promise  not  to  be  concerned  in  plots  and  con- 
spiracies against  government,  but  patiently  to  submit  to  the 
decisions  of  the  supreme  legislature. 

4.  You  agree  to  pay  a  proper  respect  to  the  civil  magistrate, 
to  work  diligently,  live  creditably,  and  act  honorably  by  all 
men. 

5.  You  agree  to  hold  in  veneration  the  original  rulers  and 
patrons  of  the  Order  of  Masonry,  and  their  regular  successors, 
supreme  and  subordinate,  according  to  their  stations;  and  to 
submit  to  the  awards  and  resolutions  of  your  brethren  when 
convened,  in  every  case  consistent  with  the  constitutions  of 
the  Order. 

6.  You  agree  to  avoid  private  piques  and  quarrels,  and  to 
guard  against  intemperance  and  excess. 

7.  You  agree  to  be  cautious  in  carriage  and  behavior,  cour- 
teous to  your  brethren,  and  faithful  to  your  Lodge. 

8.  You  promise  to  respect  genuine  brethren,  and  to  dis- 
countenance impostors,  and  all  dissenters  from  the  original 
plan  of  Masonry. 

9.  You  agree  to  promote  the  general  good  of  society,  to 
cultivate  the  social  virtues,  and  to  propagate  the  knowledge 
of  the  art. 

.10.  You  promise  to  pay  homage  to  the  Grand  Master  for 
the  time  being,  and  to  his  officers  when  duly  installed;  and 
strictly  to  conform  to  every  edict  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  or 
General  Assembly  of  Masons,  that  is  not  subversive  of  the 
principles  and  groundwork  of  Masonry. 

11.  You  admit  that  it  is  not  in  the  power  of  any  man,  or 
body  of  men,  to  make  innovations  in  the  body  of  Masonry. 

12.  You  promise  a  regular  attendance  on  the  committees 
and  communications  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  on  receiving  proper 
notice,  and  pay  attention  to  all  the  duties  of  Masonry,  on 
convenient  occasions. 

13.  You  admit  that  no  new  Lodge  shall  be  formed  without 
permission  of  the  Grand  Lodge ;  and  that  no  countenance  be 


94  PAST   MASTER. 

given  to  any  irregular  Lodge  or  to  any  person  clandestinely 
initiated  therein,  being  contrary  to  the  Ancient  charges  of 
the  Order. 

14.  You  admit  that  no  person  can  be  regularly  made  a 
Mason  in,  or  admitted  a  member  of,  any  regular  Lodge,  with- 
out previous  notice,  and  due  inquiry  into  his  character. 

15.  You  agree  that  no  visitors  shall  be  received  into  your 
Lodge  without  due  examination,  and  producing  proper 
vouchers  of  their  having  been  initiated  into  a  regular  Lodge.1 

These  are  the  regulations  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons. 

The  Grand  Master  then  addresses  the  Master  elect  in  the 
following  manner:  u  Do  you  submit  to  these  charges,  and 
promise  to  support  these  regulations,  as  Masters  have  done 
in  all  ages  before  you?"  The  new  Master  having  signified 
his  cordial  submission  as  before,  the  Grand  Master  thus 
addresses  him  : 

"  Brother  A  B,  in  consequence  of  your  cheerful  conformity 
to  the  charges  and  regulations  of  the  Order,  you  are  now  to 
be  installed  Master  of  this  new  Lodge,  in  full  confidence  of 
your  care,  skill  and  capacity  to  govern  the  same/' 

The  new  Master  is  then  regularly  invested  with  the 
insignia  of  his  office,  and  the  furniture  and  implements  of 
his  Lodge. 

The  various  implements  of  the  profession  are  emblematical 
of  our  conduct  in  life,  and  upon  this  occasion  carefully 
enumerated. 

"  The  Holy  Writings,  that  great  light  in  Masonry,  will 
guide  you  to  all  truth ;  it  will  direct  your  paths  to  the  tem- 
ple of  happiness,  and  point  out  to  you  the  whole  duty  of 
man. 

11  The  Square  teaches  to  regulate  our  actions  by  rule  and 
line,  and  to  harmonize  our  conduct  by  the  principles  of 
morality  and  virtue. 

"  The  Compass  teaches  to  limit  our  desires  in  every  station, 
that,  rising  to  eminence  by  merit,  we  may  live  respected,  and 
die  regretted. 

"  The  Rule  directs  that  we  should  punctually  observe  our 

i  We  omit  the  ancient  document  inserted  in  a  former  edition. 


SECOND  SECTION.  95 

duty;  press  forward  in  the  path  of  virtue,  and,  neither 
inclining  to  the  right  nor  to  the  left,  in  all  our  actions,  have 
eternity  in  view. 

"  The  Line  teaches  the  criterion  of  moral  rectitude,  to 
avoid  dissimulation  in  conversation  and  action,  and  to  direct 
our  steps  to  the  path  which  leads  to  immortality. 

"  The  Booh  of  Constitutions  you  are  to  search  at  all  times. 
Cause  it  to  be  read  in  your  Lodge,  that  none  may  pretend 
ignorance  of  the  excellent  precepts  it  enjoins. 

"  Lastly,  you  receive  in  charge  the  By-Laws  of  your  Lodge, 
which  you  are  to  see  carefully  and  punctually  executed." 

The  jewels  of  the  officers  of  the  new  Lodge  being  then 
returned  to'  the  Master,  he  delivers  them,  respectively,  to 
the  several  officers  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  according  to  their 
rank. 

The  subordinate  officers  of  the  new  Lodge  are  then 
invested  with  their  jewels,  by  the  Grand  Officers  of  corres- 
ponding rank ;  and  are  by  them,  severally  in  turn,  conducted 
to  the  Grand  Master,  who  delivers  each  of  them  a  short 
charge,  as  follows,  viz. : 

THE  SENIOR  WARDEN. 

"  Brother  C  D,  you  are  appointed  Senior  "Warden  of  this 
new  Lodge,  and  are  now  invested  with  the  ensign  of  your 
office.1 

"  The  Level  demonstrates  that  we  are  descended  from  the 
same  stock,  partake  of  the  same  nature,  and  share  the  same 
hope ;  and  though  distinctions  among  men  are  necessary  to 
preserve  subordination,  yet  no  eminence  of  station  should 
make  us  forget  that  we  are  Brethren ;  for  he  who  is  placed 
on  the  lowest  spoke  of  fortune's  wheel,  may  be  entitled  to 
our  regard ;  because  a  time  will  come,  and  the  wisest  knows 
not  how  soon,  when  all  distinctions,  but  that  of  goodness, 
shall  cease  ;  and  death,  the  grand  leveler  of  human  great- 
ness, reduce  us  to  the  same  state. 

1  The  introduction  of  the  word  "appointed"  here — which  in  practice 
is  usually  rendered  "elected"  maybe  traced  to  two  circumstances. 
1.  In  the  first  organization  of  the  Lodge,  the  officers  are  usually 
appointed  by  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  2d.  In  former  times,  the  Wardens 
were  appointed  by  the  Master. 


96  PAST  MASTER. 

*  Your  regular  attendance  on  our  stated  meetings  is  essen- 
tially necessary ;  in  the  absence  of  the  master  you  are  to 
govern  this  Lodge :  in  his  presence  you  are  to  assist  him  in 
the  government  of  it.  I  firmly  rely  on  your  knowledge  of 
Masonry,  and  attachment  to  the  Lodge,  for  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  the  duties  of  this  important  trust  —  Look  well  to 
the  West!" 

THE  JUNIOR  WARDEN. 

"Brother  E  F,  you  are  appointed  Junior  Warden  of  this  new 
Lodge  ;  and  are  now- invested  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 

"  The  Plumb  admonishes  us  to  walk  uprightly  in  our 
several  stations,  to  hold  the  scale  of  justice  in  equal  poise, 
to  observe  the  just  medium  between  intem'perance  and 
pleasure,  and  to  make  our  passions  and  prejudices  coincide 
with  the  line  of  our  duty. 

"  To  you,  with  such  assistance  as  may  be  necessary,  is 
intrusted  the  examination  of  visitors,  and  the  reception  of 
candidates.1 

"  To  you  is  also  committed  the  superintendence  of  the 
Craft  during  the  hours  of  refreshment.2 

"  It  is,  therefore,  indispensably  necessary  that  you  should 
not  only  be  temperate  and  discreet,  in  the  indulgence  of  your 
own  inclinations,  but  carefully  observe  that  none  of  the  Craft 
be  suffered  to  convert  the  purposes  of  refreshment  into  intem- 
perance and  excess. 

"  Your  regular  and  punctual  attendance  is  particularly 
requested ;  and  I  have  no  doubt  that  you  will  faithfully  exe- 
cute the  duty  which  you  owe  to  your  present  appointment — 
Look  well  to  the  South  /" 

THE   TREASURER. 

"  Brother  Gr  H,  you  are  appointed  Treasurer  of  this  new 
Lodge.  It  is  your  duty  to  receive  all  moneys  from  the  hands 
Df  the  Secretary,  keep  just  and  regular  accounts  of  the  same, 

1  This  is  not  now  the  general  usage  in  the  American  Lodges ;  for  the 
former,  a  special  committee  is  usually  appointed ;  for  the  latter,  the 
stewards  are  designated,  or,  in  their  absence,  a  special  committee. 

2  This  sentence  expresses  the  prime  duty,  care  and  responsibility  of 
the  Junior  Warden,  "  to  take  charge  of  the  brethren  while  at  refresh* 


SECOND    SECTION.  97 

and  pay  them  out  at  the  Worshipful  Master's  will  and  pleas- 
ure, with  the  consent  of  the  Lodge.  I  trust  your  regard  for 
the  Fraternity  will  prompt  you  to  the  faithful  discharge  of 
the  duties  of  your  office." 

THE   SECRETARY. 

"  Brother  I  K,  you  are  appointed  Secretary  of  this  new 
Lodge.  It  is  your  duty  to  observe  the  Worshipful  Master's 
will  and  pleasure,  to  record  the  proceedings  of  the  Lodge,  to 
receive  all  moneys,  and  pay  them  into  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer. 

11  Your  good  inclination  to  Masonry  and  this  Lodge,  I 
hope,  will  induce  you  to  discharge  your  office  with  fidelity, 
and,  by  so  doing,  you  will  merit  the  esteem  and  applause  of 
your  Brethren." 

THE   SENIOR  AND   JUNIOR  DEACONS. 

"  Brothers  L  M  and  N  0,  you  are  appointed  Deacons  of 
this  new  Lodge.  It  is  your  province  to  attend  on  the  Master 
and  Wardens,  and  to  act  as  their  proxies  in  the  active  duties 
of  the  Lodge  ;  such  as  the  reception  of  candidates  into  the 
different  degrees  of  Masonry,  the  introduction  and  accommo- 
dation of  visitors,  and  in  the  immediate  practice  of  our  rites. 
These  columns,  as  badges  of  your  office,  I  intrust  to  your 
care,  not  doubting  your  vigilance  and  attention."1 

THE    STEWARDS. 

"  Brothers  P  Q  and  B  S,  you  are  appointed  Stewards  of 
this  new  Lodge.  The  duties  of  your  office  are,  to  assist  in 
the  collection  of  dues  and  subscriptions,  or  keep  an  account 
of  the  Lodge  expenses,  to  see  that  the  tables  are  properly 
furnished  at  refreshment,  and  that  every  Brother  is  suitably 
provided  for  ;  and  generally  to  assist  the  Deacons  and  other 
officers  in  performing  their  respective  duties.  Your  regular 
and  early  attendance  will  afford  the  best  proof  of  your  zeai 
and  attachment  to  the  Lodge." 

1  The  badge  or  jewel  of   the  Deacons'   offices   is,  by  common  usage, 
changed,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  cut.     But  in  many  Lodges,  other  em- 
blems are  worn ;  such  as  the  Winged  Mercury,  the  Triangles,  the  Stone- 
There  is  little  uniformity  in  this  respect. 
9 


98  PAST   MASTER. 


THE   TYLER 

Is  then  appointed,  and  receives  the  instrument  of  his  office, 
with  a  short  charge  on  the  occasion. 

The  Grand  Master  then  addresses  the  officers  and  members 
of  the  new  Lodge  as  follows  : 

CHARGE    UPON     THE    INSTALLATION    OP    THE     OFFICERS    OP    A 

LODGE. 

"  Worshipful  Master  : — The  Grand  Lodge  having  com- 
mitted to  your  care  the  superintendence  and  government  of 
the  Brethren  who  are  to  compose  this  new  Lodge,  you  can 
not  be  insensible  of  the  obligations  which  devolve  on  you,  as 
their  head  ;  nor  of  your  responsibility  for  the  faithful  dis- 
charge of  the  important  duties  annexed  to  your  appointment. 

"  The  honor,  reputation,  and  usefulness  of  your  Lodge  will 
materially  depend  on  the  skill  and  assiduity  with  which  you 
manage  its  concerns;  while  the  happiness  of  its  members  will 
be  generally  promoted,  in  proportion  to  the  zeal  and  ability 
with  which  you  propagate  the  genuine  principles  of  our  insti- 
tution. 

"  For  a  pattern  of  imitation,  consider  the  great  luminary 
of  nature,  which,  rising  in  the  East,  regularly  diffuses  light 
and  luster  to  all  within  its  circle.  In  like  manner  it  is  your 
province  to  spread  and  communicate  light  and  instruction  to 
the  Brethren  of  your  Lodge.  Forcibly  impress  upon  them 
the  dignity  and  high  importance  of  J^sonry ;  and  seriously 
admonish  them  never  to  disgrace  it.  Charge  them  to  practice 
out  of  the  Lodge  those  duties  which  they  have  been  taught  in 
it ;  and  by  amiable,  discreet  and  virtuous  conduct,  to  con- 
vince mankind  of  the  goodness  of  the  institution ;  so  that, 
when  any  one  is  said  to  be  a  member  of  it,  the  world  may 
know  that  he  is  one  to  whom  the  burdened  heart  may  pour 
out  its  sorrows  ;  to  whom  distress  may  prefer  its  suit,  whose 
hand  is  guided  by  justice,  and  his  heart  expanded  by  benev- 
olence. In  short,  by  a  diligent  observance  of  the  By-Laws 
of  your  Lodge,  the  Constitutions  of  Masonry,  and,  above  all, 
the  Holy  Scriptures',  which  are  given  as  a  rule  and  guide  to 
your  faith,  you  will  be  enabled  to  acquit  yourself  with  honor 
and  reputation,  and  lay  up  a  crown  of  rejoicing,  which  shall 
continue  when  time  shall  be  uo  more." 


SECOND   SECTION.     "  99 

"  Brother  Senior  and  Junior  Wardens  : — You  are  too 
well  acquainted  with  the  principles  of  Masonry  to  warrant 
any  distrust  that  you  will  be  found  wanting  in  the  discharge 
of  your  respective  duties.  Suffice  it  to  mention,  that  what 
you  have  seen  praiseworthy  in  others,  you  should  carefully 
imitate ;  and  what  in  them  may  have  appeared  defective,  you 
should  in  yourselves  amend.  You  should  be  examples  of 
good  order  and  regularity;  for  it  is  only  by  a  due  regard  to 
the  laws  in  your  own  conduct,  that  you  can  expect  obedience 
to  them  from  others.  You  are  assiduously  to  assist  the  Mas- 
ter in  the  discharge  of  his  trust,  diffusing  light  and  imparting 
knowledge  to  all  whom  he  shall  place  under  your  care.  In 
the  absence  of  the  Master  you  will  succeed  to  higher  duties ; 
your  acquirements  must,  therefore,  be  such  as  that  the  Craft 
may  never  suffer  for  want  of  proper  instruction.  From  the 
spirit  which  you  have  hitherto  evinced,  I  entertain  no  doubt 
that  your  future  conduct  will  be  such  as  to  merit  the  ap- 
plause of  your  Brethren,  and  the  testimony  of  a  good  con- 
science. " 

"  Brethren  of Lodge  : — Such  is  the  nature  of  our 

constitution,  that  as  some  must,  of  necessity,  rule  and  teach,  so 
others  must,  of  course,  learn  to  submit  and  obey.  Humility 
in  both  is  an  essential  duty.  The  officers  who  are  appointed 
to  govern  your  Lodge,  are  sufficiently  conversant  with  the 
rules  of  propriety,  and  the  laws  of  the  institution,  to  avoid 
exceeding  the  powers  with  which  they  are  intrusted ;  and  you 
are  of  too  generous  dispositions  to  envy  their  preferment.  I 
therefore  trust  that  you  will  have  but  one  aim — to  please  each 
other,  and  unite  in  the  grand  design  of  being  happy  and  com- 
municating happiness. 

"Finally,  my  Brethren,  as  this  association  has  been  formed 
and  perfected  in  so  much  unanimity  and  concord,  in  which  we 
greatly  rejoice,  so  may  it  long  continue.  May  you  long  en- 
joy every  satisfaction  and  delight,  which  disinterested  friend- 
ship can  afford.  May  kindness  and  brotherly  affection  dis- 
tinguish your  conduct  as  men  and  as  Masons.  Within  your 
peaceful  walls,  may  your  children's  children  celebrate,  with 
joy  and  gratitude,  the  transactions  of  this  auspicious  solem- 
nity ;  and  may  the  tenets  of  our  profession  be  transmitted 
through  your  Lodge,  pure  and  unimpaired,  from  generation 
to  generation." 


100  PAST   MASTER. 

The  Grand  Marshal  then  proclaims  the  new  Lodge,  in  the 
following  manner,  viz : 

"In  the  name  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge  of  the 

State  of ,  I  proclaim  this  new  Lodge,  by  the  name 

of Lodge,  duly  constituted." 

This  proclamation  is  made  thrice,  and  each  time  followed 
with  a  flourish  of  drums  or  trumpets. 

The  Grand  Chaplain  then  makes  the  concluding  prayer, 
which  ends  the  public  ceremonies. 

The  grand  procession  is  then  formed  in  the  same  order  as 
before,  and  returns  to  the  hall. 

The  Grand  Master,  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and  Grand 
Wardens,  being  seated,  all  but  Master  Masons  are  caused  to 
retire,  and  the  procession  continues  round  the  hall,  which 
upon  passing  the  several  Grand  officers,  pays  them  due  hom- 
age, by  the  usual  congratulations  and  honors,  in  the  different 
degrees,  commencing  with  the  lowest.  During  the  procession 
(which  passes  three  times  round  the  Lodge)  the  following 
song  is  sung,  which  concludes  the  ceremony  of  installation : 


Am. — Italian  Hymn. 


SECOND   SECTION.  1Q1 

INSTALLATION   ODE. 

Adapted  and  arranged  by  Bao.  Jas.  B.  Tatlok. 


PIANOFORTE 


MELODEON. 


1.  Hail,   Ma  -  son    -    ry  di  •  vine  !    GIo  •  ry      of 


tit 


PP 


S^S 


& 


^^ 


/ 


=£ 


g 


P 


s===* 


*| 


? 


F^rn 


ges     shine  I    Long  may'st  thou  reign  :  Wheree'er  thy      lodges  stand, 


^ 


-&*- 


-G^- 


rr  r  i  j.ju 


\ " 


p$m% 


^=f 


May  they  have  great  command,  And  always  grace  the  land,  Thou  art   di  -  vine ! 


J-L4j.  1 1 11  j  j^^g 


p=±=t 


1 


^  '  * 


2  Great  fabrics  still  arise, 
And  grace  the  azure  skies ; 

Great  are  thy  schemes ; 
Thy  noble  orders  are 
Matchless,  beyond  compare  J 
No  art  with  thee  can  share. 

Thou  art  divine  J 

3  Hiram,  the  architect, 
Did  all  the  Craft  direct 

How  they  should  build. 
Solomon,  Israel's  king, 
Did  mighty  blessings  bring, 
Which  gave  us  cause  to  sing, 

Hail,  royal  art  i 


t 


102  PAST   MASTER. 

The  Jiodge  is  then  closed  with  the  usual  solemnities  in  the 
different  degrees,  by  the  Grand  Master  and  his  officers. 

This  is  the  usual  ceremony  observed  by  regular  Masons  at 
the  constitution  of  a  new  Lodge,  which  the  Grand  Master 
may  abridge  or  extend  at  pleasure  ;  but  the  material  points 
are  on  no  account  to  be  omitted.  The  same  ceremony  and 
eharges  attend  every  succeeding  installation  of  new  officers.1 


THE  THIRD  SECTION. 

CEREMONY    OBSERVED     AT     LATINO    THE     FOUNDATION    STONE 
OF    PUBLIC    STRUCTURES. 

This  ceremony  is  conducted  by  the  Grand  Master  and  his 
officers,  assisted  by  the  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  and 
such  officers  and  members  of  private  Lodges,  as  can  con- 
veniently attend.  The  chief  magistrate,  and  other  civil 
officers  of  the  place  where  the  building  is  to  be  erected,  also 
generally  attend  on  the  occasion. 

At  the  time  appointed,  the  Grand  Lodge  is  convened  in 
some  suitable  place,  approved  by  the  Grand  Master.  A  band 
of  martial  music  is  provided,  and  the  brethren  appear  in  the 
insignia  of  the  Order,  and  with  white  gloves  and  Aprons. 

The  Lodge  is  opened  by  the  Grand  Master,  and  the  rules 
for  regulating  the  procession  to  and  from  the  place  where  the 
ceremony  is  to  be  performed,  are  read  by  the  Grand  Secretary. 
The  necessary  cautions  are  then  given  from  the  Chair,  and 
the  Lodge  is  adjourned;  after  which  the  procession  sets  out 
in  the  following  order: 

PROCESSION  AT   LAYING   CORNER   STONES. 

Two  Tylers,  with  Drawn  Swords. 

Tyler  of  the  oldest  Lodge  with  Sword. 

Two  Stewards  of  the  oldest  Lodge. 

Entered  Apprentices. 

Fellow  Crafts. 

Master  Masons. 

Stewards. 
Junior  Deacons. 
Senior  Deacons. 

1  Officers  re-elected  to  office  without  an  intermission  of  time,  need  not 
be  re-installed. 


THIRD   SECTION.  103 

S  Secretaries. 

^  Treasurers, 

g"  Past  Wardens. 

*  r~*  Junior  Wardens. 

Senior  Wardens. 
Past  Masters. 
Royal  Arch  Masons. 
Knights  Templar. 
Masters. 
Music. 
Grand  Tyler,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 
Grand  Stewards,  with  White  Rods. 
A  brother  with  a  Golden  Vessel  containing  Corn. 
Vro  brethren,  with  Silver  Vessels,  one  containing 

Wine,  and  the  other  Oil. 

Principal  Architect,  with  Square,  Level  and  Plumb. 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Bible,  Square  and  Compass,  carried  by  a  Master  of  a  Lodge, 

supported  by  two  Stewards. 

Grand  Chaplain. 

The  Five  Orders. 

Past  Grand  Wardens. 

Past  Deputy  Grand  Masters. 

Past  Grand  Masters. 

Chief  Magistrate  of  the  place. 

Two  Large  Lights,  borne  by  two  Masters  of  Lodges. 

Grand  Wardens. 

One  Large  Light,  borne  by  a  Master  of  a  Lodge. 

Deputy  Grand  Master. 

Master  of  the  oldest  Lodge,  bearing  the  Book  of  Constitutions,  on 

a  Velvet  Cushion. 

Grand  Deacons,  with  Black  Rods,  on  a  line  seven  feet  apart 

Grand  Master. 

Grand  Sword  Bearer,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 

Two  Stewards,  with  White  Rods. 

A  triumphal  arch  is  usually  erected  at  the  place  where  the 
ceremony  is  to  be  performed. 

The  procession  passes  through  the  arch,  and  the  brethren 
repairing  to  their  stands,  the  Grand  Master  and  his  officers 
take  their  places  on  a  temporary  platform,  covered  with  car- 
pet. An  ode  on  Masonry  is  sung.  The  Grand  Master  com- 
mands silence,  and  the  necessary  preparations  are  made  for 
laying  the  stone,  on  which  is  engraved  the  year  of  Masonry,, 
the  name  and  titles  of  the  Grand  Master,  etc.,  etc. 

The  stone  is  raised  up,  by  means  of  an  engine  erected  for 
that  purpose,  and  the  Grand  Chaplain  or  orator  repeats  a 
short   prayer.     The   Grand   Treasurer   then,   by  the   Grand 


104  PAST   MASTER. 

Master's  command,  places  under  the  stone  Tarious  sorts  of 
coin  and  medals  of  the  present  age.  Solemn  music  is  intro- 
duced, and  the  stone  let  down  into  its  place.  The  principal 
Architect  then  presents  the  working  tools  to  the  Grand 
Master,  who  applies  the  plumb,  square  and  level  to  the  stone, 
in  their  proper  positions,  and    pronounces  it  to  be  "  well 

FORMED,   TRUE  AND  TRUSTY." 

The  golden  and  silver  vessels  are  next  brought  to  the  table, 
and  delivered,  the  former  to  the  Deputy  Grand  Master,  and 
the  latter  to  the  Grand  Wardens,  who  successively  present 
them  to  the  Grand  Master ;  and  he,  according  to  ancient 
ceremony,  pours  the  corn,  the  wine  and  the  oil  which  they 
contain,  on  the  stone,  saying, 

"  May  the  all-bounteous  Author  of  Nature  bless  the  in- 
habitants of  this  place  with  all  the  necessaries,  conveniences 
and  comforts  of  life;  assist  in  the  erection  and  completion  of 
this  building;  protect  the  workmen  against  every  accident, 
and  long  preserve  this  structure  from  decay;  and  grant  to 
us  all,  in  needed  supply,  the  corn  of  nourishment,  the  wine 
of  refreshment,  and  the  OIL  of  joy." 

"  Amen  !  so  mote  it  be !     Amen  !  " 

He  then  strikes  the  stone  thrice  with  the  mallet,  and  the 
public  honors  of  Masonry  are  given. 

The  Grand  Master  then  delivers  over  to  the  Architect  the 
various  implements  of  architecture,  intrusting  him  with  the 
superintendence  and  direction  of  the  work;  after  which  he 
re-ascends  the  platform,  and  an  oration  suitable  to  the  occa- 
sion is  delivered.  A  voluntary  collection  is  made  for  the 
workmen,  and  the  sum  collected  is  placed  upon  the  stone  by 
the  Grand  Treasurer.  A  song  in  honor  of  Masonry  con- 
cludes the  ceremony,  after  which  the  procession  returns  to 
the  place  whence  it  set  out,  and  the  Lodge  is  closed. 


FOURTH  SECTION.  105 

THE  FOURTH  SECTION. 

CEREMONY  OBSERVED  AT  THE  DEDICATION  OF  MASONS'  HALLS.1 

On  the  day  appointed  for  the  celebration  of  the  ceremony 
f  dedication,  the  Grand  Master  and  his  officers,  accompanied 
by  the  members  of  the  Grand  Lodge,  meet  in  a  convenient 
room  near  the  place  where  the  ceremony  is  to  be  performed, 
and  the  Grand  Lodge  is  opened  in  ample  form  in  the  first 
three  degrees  of  Masonry.2 

The  Master  of  the  Lodge  to  which  the  hall  to  be  dedicated 
belongs,  being  present,  rises,  and  addresses  the  Grand  Master, 
as  follows: 

"Most   Worshipful: — The   brethren  of Lodge, 

being  animated  with  a  desire  of  promoting  the  honor  and 
interest  of  the  Craft,  have,  at  great  pains  and  expense,  erected 
a  Masonic  hall,  for  their  convenience  and  accommodation. 
They  are  now  desirous  that  the  same  should  be  examined  by 
the  M.  W.  Grand  Lodge;  and  if  it  should  meet  their  appro- 
bation, that  it  should  be  solemnly  dedicated  to  Masonic  pur- 
poses, agreeably  to  ancient  form." 

The  Grand  Master  then  directs  the  Grand  Secretary  to 
read  the  order  of  procession,  which  is  delivered  over  to  the 
Grand  Marshal ;  and  a  general  charge  respecting  propriety 
of  behavior,  is  given  by  the  Deputy  Grand  Master. 

A  grand  procession  is  then  formed  in  the  order  laid  down 
in  the  first  section.  The  whole  moves  forward  to  the  hall 
which  is  to  be  dedicated,  and  upon  the  arrival  of  the  front 
of  the  procession  at  the  door,  they  halt,  open  to  the  right 
and  left,  and  face  inward ;  while  the  Grand  Master,  and 
others  in  succession,  pass  through  and  enter.  The  music 
continues  while  the  procession  marches  three  times  round 
the  hall. 

The  Lodge  is  then  placed  in  the  center;  and  the  Grand 
Master  having  taken  the  chair,  under  a  canopy  of  state,  the 
Grand  officers,  and  the  Masters  and  Wardens  of  the  Lodges 
repair  to  the  places  previously  prepared  for  their  reception: 

JSee  Preston's  Illustrations,  (U.  M.  L.,  vol.  3),  for  a  detailed  account 
of  the  dedication  of  a  Masonic  Hall,  in  England. 
2  Commencing  with  the  lowest. 


106  PAST   MASTER. 

the  throe  lights,  and  the  gold  and  silver  pitchers,  with  corn, 
wine  and  oil,  are  plaoed  round  the  Lodge,  at  the  head  of 
which  stands  the  pedestal,  with  the  Bible  open,  and  the 
Square  and  Compass  laid  thereon,  with  the  Constitution-roll, 
on  a  crimson  velvet  cushion.1  Matters  being  thus  disposed, 
an  anthem  is  sung,  and  an  exordium  on  Masonry  given  : 
after  which,  the  Architect  addresses  the  Grand  Master,  as 
follows: 

"  Most  Worshipful  : — Having  been  intrusted  with  the 
superintendence  and  management  of  the  workmen  employed 
in  the  construction  of  this  edifice  ;  and  having,  according  to 
the  best  of  my  ability,  accomplished  the  task  assigned  me, 
I  now  return  my  thanks  for  the  honor  of  this  appointment, 
and  beg  leave  to  surrender  up  the  implements  which  were 
committed  to  my  care  when  the  foundation  of  this  fabric 
was  laid;  humbly  hoping,  that  the  exertions  which  have  been 
made  on  this  occasion,  will  be  crowned  with  your  approba- 
tion, and  that  of  the  Most  Worshipful  Grand  Lodge." 

To  which  the  Grand  Master  makes  the  following  reply 

"  Brother  Architect  : — The  skill  and  fidelity  displayed 
in  the  execution  of  the  trust  reposed  in  you,  at  the  com- 
mencement of  this  undertaking,  have  secured  the  entire 
approbation  of  the  Grand  Lodge;  and  they  sincerely  pray, 
that  this  edifice  may  continue  a  lasting  monument  of  the 
taste,  spirit,  and  liberality  of  its  founders." 

An  ode  in  honor  of  Masonry  is  sung,  accompanied  with 
instrumental  music. 

The  Deputy  Grand  Master  then  rises  and  says: 

"  Most  Worshipful  : — The  hall  in  which  we  are  now 
assembled,  and  the  plan  upon  which  it  has  been  constructed, 
having  met  with  your  approbation,  it  is  the  desire  of  the  fra- 
ternity that  it  should  be  now  dedicated,  according  to  ancient 
form  and  usage. " 

Whereupon  the  Grand  Master  requests  all  to  retire  bu 
such  as  are  Master  Masons.  A  procession  is  then  formed  in 
the  following  order,  viz.: 

1  For  an  appropriate  Anthem,  see  Appendix. 


FOURTH  SECTION,  107 

Grand  Sword  Bearer. 

A  Past  Master,  with  a  Light. 

A  Past  Master,  with  Bible,  Square,  and  Compass,  on  a 

Velvet  Cushion. 

Two  Past  Masters,  each  with  a  Light. 

Grand  Secretary  and  Treasurer,  with  Emblems. 

Grand  Junior  Warden,  with  Pitcher  of  Corn. 

Grand  Senior  Warden,  with  Pitcher  of  Wine. 

Deputy  Grand  Master,  with  Pitcher  of  Oil. 

Grand  Master. 

Two  Stewards  Vith  Rods. 

All  the  other  brethren  keep  their  places,  and  assist  in 
performing  an  ode,  which  continues  during  the  procession, 
excepting  only  at  the  intervals  of  dedication.  The  Lodge  is 
uncovered,  and  the  first  procession  being  made  round  it,  the 
Junior  Grand  Warden  presents  the  pitcher  of  corn  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  pours  it  out  upon  the  Lodge,  at  the  same 
time  pronouncing,  "  In  the  name  of  the  great  Jehovah,  to 
whom  be  all  honor  and  glory,  I  do  solemnly  dedicate  this 
hall  to  Masonry."      The  grand  honors  are  given.1 

s  The  second  procession  is  then  made  round  the  Lodge,  and 
the  Grand  Senior  Warden  presents  the  pitcher  of  wine  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  sprinkles  it  upon  the  Lodge,  at  the  same 
time,  saying,  "  In  the  name  of  the  holy  Saint  John,  I  do 
solemnly  dedicate  this  hall  to  Virtue."  The  grand  honors 
are  twice  repeated. 

The  third  procession  is  then  made  round  the  Lodge,  and 
the  Deputy  Grand  Master  presents  the  pitcher  of  oil  to  the 
Grand  Master,  who  sprinkles  it  upon  the  Lodge,  saying,  "  In 
the  name  of  the  whole  Fraternity,  I  do  solemnly  dedicate 
this  hall  to  Universal  Benevolence."  The  grand  honors 
are  thrice  repeated. 

A  solemn  invocation  is  made  to  Heaven,  by  the  Grand 
Chaplain,  and  an  anthem  sung;  after  which  the  Lodge  is 
covered,   and   the   Grand  Master  retires  to   his  chair.      An 

lThe  following  is  a  description  of  the  Public  Grand  Honors :  The  arms 
are  crossed  over  the  breast,  the  left'  arm  uppermost.  The  palms  are 
then  struck  smartly  together,  over  the  head,  the  eyes  glancing  upward. 
Lastly,  the  hands  are  brought  down,  open,  and  struck  upon  the  thighs 
(see  Mackey's  Lexicon) ;  thus  the  Grand  Honors  are  given  in  full.  This 
is  to  be  repeated  three  times. 


108  PAST   MASTER 

oration  is  then  delivered,  and  the  ceremonies  conclude  with 
music.  The  Grand  Lodge  is  then  closed  in  ample  form  in 
the  several  degrees.1  "  " 


THE  FIFTH  SECTION. 

the  ceremony  used  at  funerals,  according  to  ancient 
custom;  with  the  service  used  on  the  occasion.2 

No  Mason  can  be  interred  with  the  formalities  of  the  Order, 
unless  it  be  by  his  own  special  request,  communicated  to  the 
Master  of  the  Lodge  of  which  he  died  a  member,  foreigners 
and  sojourners  excepted;  nor  unless  he  has  been  advanced 
to  the  third   degree   of  Masonry;  and  from  this   restriction 

i  Commencing  with  the  highest.  The  more  frequent  usage  is,  to  close 
the  three  Lodges  by  a  single  order. 

2  The  management  of  Masonic  obsequies  has  been  in  the  main  So 
badly  performed  as  to  suggest  some  extra  regulations  here. 

The  whole  care  of  the  Craft  and  the  preliminary  arrangements  of  the 
occasion  must  be  under  the  charge  of  a  Marshal  chosen  for  his  skill, 
experience,  and  manly  bearing,  who  shall  receive  his  orders  from,  and 
make  his  reports  to,  the  Master  alone.  If  more  than  fifty  brethren  are 
in  the  procession,  a  Deputy  Marshal  for  every  fifty  must  be  appointed. 
Music  should  be  procured  when  at  all  practicable,  as  without  it  the 
order  of  marching  can  not  be  perfectly  performed.  The  Marshal  and 
his  Deputy  march  on  the  left  of  the  procession,  the  former  moving  con- 
tinually from  the  head  to  the  rear  of  the  line,  for  which  purpose,  if  the 
attendance  is  numerous,  he  must  be  mounted. 

The  rules  of  alignment,  etc.,  are  these :  1.  The  files  march  six  feet 
apart;  2.  Right  hand  man  in  each  file  covers  his  file  leader;  3.  Left 
hand  man  in  each  file  touches  elbow  on  his  right;  4.  At  the  word  March, 
every  brother  throws  his  left  foot  forward  instantly ;  5.  At  the  word 
Halt,  all  movements  cease. 

A  procession  is  a  Lodge  strictly  under  the  discipline  of  the  Lodge- 
room.  Therefore  no  brother  can  enter  the  procession,  or  leave  it, 
without  express  permission  from  the  Master,  conveyed  through  the 
Marshal. 

Approach  the  grave  from  the  East.  When  the  Tyler  arrives  within 
ten  paces  thereof,  the  Marshal  halts  the  procession,  orders  the  files  to 
separate,  by  side  step,  four  paces,  then  face  inward.  The  Marshal 
walks  between  the  lines  to  the  Master,  and  then  conducts  him  as  the 
head  of  the  procession  around  the  grave,  leaving  it  on  the  right,  the 
brethren  closing  in  behind  the  Master  and  countermarching.  The 
coffin  is  conveyed  to  the  grave  and  laid  upon  trestles  above  it.  The 
rest  of  the  proceedings  may  be  gathered  from  the  pages  above. 


FIFTH  SECTION.  109 

there  can  be  no  exception.  Fellow-crafts,  or  Apprentices, 
are  not  entitled  to  funeral  obsequies,  nor  to  attend  the 
Masonic  procession  on  such  occasion.1 

The  Master  of  a  Lodge,  having  received  notice  of  a  Master 
Mason's  death,  and  of  his  request  to  be  interred  with  the  cere- 
monies of  the  Order,  fixes  the  day  and  hour  for  the  funeral, 
and  issues  his  command  to  summon  the  Lodge.3 

He  may  invite  as  many  Lodges  as  he  thinks  proper,  and 
the  members  of  those  Lodges  may  accompany  their  omcers  in 
form ;  but  the  whole  ceremony  must  be  under  the  direction  of 
the  Master  of  the  Lodge  to  which  the  deceased  belonged,  and 
he  and  his  omcers  must  be  duly  honored,  and  cheerfully 
obeyed  on  the  occasion.3  But  in  case  the  deceased  was  not  a 
member  of  either  of  the  attending  Lodges,  the  procession  and 
ceremony  must  be  under  the  direction  of  the  Master  of  the 
oldest  Lodge. 

All  the  Brethren  who  walk  in  procession  should  observe, 
as  much  as  possible,  an  uniformity  in  their  dress.  Decent 
mourning,  with  white  stockings,  gloves,  and  aprons,  is  most 
suitable. 

THE   FUNERAL  SERVICE. 

The  Brethren  being  assembled  at  the  Lodge-room  (or  some 
other  convenient  place),  the  presiding  Master  opens  the 
Lodge,  in  the  third  degree,  with  the  usual  forms ;  and  having 
stated  the  purpose  of  the  meeting,  the  service  begins : 

Master. — "  What  man  is  he  that  liveth,  and  shall  not  see 
death  ?  shall  he  deliver  his  soul  from  the  hand  of  the  grave  ?" 

Response. — "  Man  walketh  in  a  vain  shadow ;  he  heapeth 
up  riches,  and  can  not  tell  who  shall  gather  them." 

Master. — "  When  he  Sieth,  he  shall  carry  nothing  away  j 
his  glory  shall  not  descend  after  him." 

Response. — "  Naked  he  came  into  the  world,  and  naked  he 
must  return." 

i  This  rule  has  been,  until  lately,  shamefully  violated  in  certain  locali- 
ties by  the  admission  of  Fellow-crafts,  and  even  Entered  Apprentices 
into  the  ranks. 

2  A  custom  prevails,  in  many  Lodges,  of  keeping  a  "  Book  of  Memory ;" 
in  which  those  who  desire  Masonic  honors  after  death,  record  their 
wishes.     This  is  worthy  of  general  adoption. 

3  Except  when  the  Grand  or  Deputy  Grand  Master  is  present  and 
exercises  his  authority. —  Webb. 


110  PAST   MASTER. 

Master. — "The  Lord  gave,  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away; 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord!" 

The  grand  honors  are  then  given,  and  certain  forms  used, 
which  can  not  be  here  explained. 

The  Master  then,  taking  the  sacred  roll1  in  his  hand,  says, 

"  Let  us  die  the  death  of  the  righteous,  and  let  our  last  end 
be  like  his." 

The  brethren  answer, 

"  God  is  our  God  forever  and  ever ;  he  will  be  our  guide 
even  unto  death!" 

The  Master  then  records  the  name  and  age  of  the  deceased 
upon  the  roll,  and  says, 

"Almighty  Father!  into  thy  hands  we  commend  the  soul 
of  our  loving  Brother." 

The  Brethren  answer  three  times  (giving  the  grand  honors 
each  time), 

"  The  will  of  God  is  accomplished  !     Amen  !  so  mote  it  be." 

The  Master  then  deposits  the  Roll  in  the  archives,  and  re- 
peats the  following  prayer  : 

"  Most  glorious  God!  author  of  all  good,  and  giver  of  all 
mercy  !  pour  down  thy  blessings  upon  us,  and  strengthen  our 
solemn  engagements  with  the  ties  of  sincere  affection !  May 
the  present  instance  of  mortality  remind  us  of  our  approach- 
ing fate,  and  draw  our  attention  toward  Thee,  the  only  refuge 
in  time  of  need  !  that  when  the  awful  moment  shall  arrive, 
that  we  are  about  to  quit  this  transitory  scene,  the  enlivening 
prospect  of  Thy  mercy  may  dispel  the  gloom  of  death ;  and 
after  our  departure  hence  in  peace  and  in  Thy  favor,  we  may 
be  received  into  Thine  everlasting  kingdom,  to  enjoy,  in 
union  with  the  souls  of  our  departed  friends,  the  just  reward 
of  a  pious  and  virtuous  life.     Amen" 

A  procession  is  then  formed,  which  moves  to  the  house  of 
the  deceased,  and  from  thence  to  the  place  of  interment.  The 
different  Lodges  rank  according  to  seniority,  excepting  that 
the  Lodge,  of  which  the  deceased  was  a  member,  walks  nearest 
the  corpse.  Each  Lodge  forms  one  division,  and  the  follow- 
ing order  is  observed : 

1  This  is  a  sheet  of  parchment  or  paper,  containing  the  natural  age, 
and  Masonic  age  and  affiliation  of  the  deceased. 


FIFTH  SECTION.  Ill 

ORDER   OF   PROCESSION   AT   A   FUNERAL.  „      . 

• 

Tyler,  with  a  Drawn  Sword. 

Stewards,  with  White  Rods. 

Musicians  (if  they  are  Masons,  otherwise  they  follow  the  Tyler). 

Master  Masons. 

Senior  and  Junior  Deacons. 

Secretary  and  Treasurer. 

Senior  and  Junior  Wardens. 

Past  Masters. 

The  Holy  Writings,  on  a  Cushion  covered  with  Black  Cloth,  carried  by 

the  oldest  member  of  the  Lodge. 

The  Master. 

Clergy. 

The  jMft  Body> 

with  the  insignia  B  placed  thereon, 

and  two  Swords  crossed, 

Pall  Bearers.  Pall  Bearers. 


The  Brethren  are  not  to  desert  their  ranks,  or  change 
places,  but  keep  in  their  different  departments.  When  the 
procession  arrives  at  the  church-yard,  the  members  of  the 
Lodge  form  a  circle  round  the  grave,  and  the  clergyman  and 
officers  of  the  acting  Lodge  taking  their  station  at  the  head 
of  the  grave,  and  the  mourners  at  the  foot ;  the  service  is  re- 
sumed, and  the  following  exhortation  given  : 

"  Here  we  view  a  striking  instance  of  the  uncertainty  of 
life,  and  the  vanity  of  all  human  pursuits.  The  last  offices 
paid  to  the  dead  are  only  useful  as  lectures  to  the  living  : 
from  them  we  are  to  derive  instruction,  and  consider  every 
solemnity  of  this  kind  as  a  summons  to  prepare  for  our  ap- 
proaching dissolution. 

"  Notwithstanding  the  various  mementoes  of  mortality  with 
which  we  daily  meet ;  notwithstanding  death  has  established 
his  empire  over  all  the  works  of  nature;  yet,  through  some 
unaccountable  infatuation,  we  forget  that  we  are  born  to  die. 
We  go  on  from  one  design  to  another,  add  hope  to  hope,  and 


112  PAST  MASTER. 

t  lay  out  plans  for  the  employment  of  many  years,  till  we  are 
suddenly  alarmed  with  the  approach  of  death  when  we  least 
expect  him,  and  at  an  hour  which  we  probably  conclude  to  be 
the  meridian  of  our  existence. 

"What  are  all  the  externals  of  majesty,  the  pride  of  wealth, 
or  charms  of  beauty,  when  nature  has  paid  her  just  debt? 
Fix  your  eyes  on  the  last  scene,  and  view  life  stripped  of  her 
ornaments,  and  exposed  in  her  natural  meanness  ;  you  will 
then  be  convinced  of  the  futility  of  those  empty  delusions. 
In  the  grave,  all  fallacies  are  detected,  all  ranks  are  leveled, 
and  all  distinctions  are  done  away. 

"  While  we  drop  the  sympathetic  tear  over  the  grave  of  our 
deceased  friend,  let  charity  incline  us  to  throw  a  vail  over  his 
foibles,  whatever  they  may  have  been,  and  not  withhold  from 
his  memory  the  praise  that  his  virtues  may  have  claimed. 
Suffer  the  apologies  of  human  nature  to  plead  in  his  behalf. 
Perfection  on  earth  has  never  been  attained :  the  wisest,  as 
well  as  the  best  of  men,  have  erred. 

"  Let  the  present  example  excite  our  most  serious  thoughts, 
and  strengthen  our  resolutions  of  amendment.  As  life  is 
uncertain,  and  all  earthly  pursuits  are  vain,  let  us  no  longer 
postpone  the  important  concern  of  preparing  for  eternity,  but 
embrace  the  happy  moment,  while  time  and  opportunity  offer, 
to  provide  against  the  great  change,  when  all  the  pleasures  of 
this  world  shall  cease  to  delight,  and  the  reflections  of  a  vir- 
tuous life  yield  the  only  comfort  and  consolation.  Thus  our 
expectations  will  not  be  frustrated,  nor  we  hurried,  unpre- 
pared, into  the  presence  of  an  all-wise  and  powerful  Judge,  to 
whom  the  secrets  of  all  hearts  are  known. 

"Let  us,  while  in  this  state  of  existence,  support,  with  pro- 
priety, the  character  of  our  profession,  advert  to  the  nature  of 
our  solemn  ties,  and  pursue,  with  assiduity,  the  sacred  tenets 
of  our  Order :  then,  with  becoming  reverence,  let  us  suppli- 
cate the  Divine  grace,  to  insure  the  favor  of  that  eternal 
Being,  whose  goodness  and  power  know  no  bound;  that  when 
the  awful  moment  arrives,  be  it  soon  or  late,  we  may  be 
enabled  to  prosecute  our  journey,  without  dread  or  apprehen- 
eion,  to  that  far  distant  country  whence  no  traveler  returns." 

The  following  invocations  are  then  made  by  the  Master: 

Master.  May  we  be  true  and  faithful,  and  may  we  live 
and  die  in  love  1 


FIFTH   SECTION.  113 

Answer.     So  mote  it  be. 

Master.  May  we  profess  what  is  good,  and  always  act 
agreeably  to  our  profession  ! 

Answer.     So  mote  it  be. 

Master.  May  the  Lord  bless  ns  and  prosper  us,  and  may 
all  our  good  intentions  be  crowned  with  success ! 

Answer.     So  mote  it  be. 

Master.  Glory  be  to  God  on  high !  on  earth  peace !  good 
will  toward  men  ! 

Answer.  So  mote  it  be,  now,  from  henceforth,  and  for- 
evermore. 

The  brethren  then  move  in  procession  round  the  place  of 
interment,  and  severally  drop  a  sprig  of  evergreen  into  the 
grave,  accompanied  with  the  usual  honors. 

The  Master  then  concludes  the  ceremony  at  the  grave,  in 
the  following  words : 

"  From  time  immemorial  it  has  been  a  custom  among  the 
fraternity  of  Free  and  Accepted  Masons,  at  the  request  of  a 
Brother,  to  accompany  the  corpse  to  the  place  of  interment 
and  there  to  deposit  his  remains  with  the  usual  formalities. 

"  In  conformity  to  this  usage,  and  at  the  special  request 
of  our  deceased  Brother,  whose  memory  we  revere  and  whose 
loss  we  now  deplore,  we  have  assembled  in  the  character  of 
Masons  to  resign  his  body  to  the  earth  whence  it  came,  and 
to  offer  up  to  his  memory  before  the  world,  the  last  tribute 
of  our  affection,  thereby  demonstrating  the  sincerity  of  our 
past  esteem  and  our  steady  attachment  to  the  principles  of 
the  Order. 

"The  great  Creator  having  been  pleased,  out  of  his  mercy, 
to  remove  our  Brother  from  the  cares  and  troubles  of  a  tran- 
sitory existence  to  a  state  of  eternal  duration,  and  thereby 
to  weaken  the  chain  by  which  we  are  united,  man  to  man, 
may  we  who  survive  him  anticipate  our  approaching  fate,  and 
be  more  strongly  cemented  in  the  ties  of  union  and  friend- 
ship, that,  during  the  short  space  allotted  to  our  present  ex- 
istence, we  may  wisely  and  usefully  employ  our  time,  and, 
in  the  reciprocal  intercourse  of  kind  and  friendly  acts,  mu- 
tually promote  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  each  other. 

"  Unto  the  grave  we  resign  the  body  of  our  deceased 
friend,  there  to  remain  until  the  ^general  resurrection,  in 
favorable  expectation  that  his  immortal  soul  may  then  par- 
10 


114  PAST   MASTER, 

take  of  joys  -which  have  been  prepared  for  the  righteous 
from  the  beginning  of  the  world.  And  may  Almighty  God,, 
of  his  infinite  goodness,  at  the  grand  tribunal  of  unbiased 
justice,  extend  his  mercy  toward  him,  and  all  of  us,  and 
3rown  our  hope  with  everlasting  bliss  in  the  expanded 
ealms  of  a  boundless  eternity!  This  we  beg  for  the  honor 
of  his  name,  to  whom  be  glory  now  and  forever.     Amen." 

Thus  the  service  ends,  and  the  procession  returns  in  form 
to  the  place  whence  it  set  out,  where  the  necessary  duties 
are  complied  with,  and  the  business  of  Masonry  is  renewed. 
The  insignia  and  ornaments  of  the  deceased,  if  an  officer  of 
the  Lodge,  are  returned  to  the  Master  with  the  usual  cere- 
monies, after  which  the  charges  for  regulating  the  conduct 
of  the  brethren  are  rehearsed,  and  the  Lodge  is  closed  in 
the  third  degree.1 

1  If  the  Past  or  Present  Grand  Master  should  join  the  procession  of  a 
private  Lodge,  or  a  Deputy  Grand  Master,  or  a  Grand  Warden,  a  proper 
attention  is  to  be  paid  to  them.  They  take  place  after  the  Master  of 
the  Lodge.  Two  Deacons  with  black  rods,  are  appointed  by  the  Master 
to  attend  a  Grand  Warden;  and  when  the  Grand  Master  is  present,  or 
Deputy  Grand  Master,  the  Book  of  Constitutions  is  borne  before  him, 
a  Sword  Bearer  follows  him,  and  the  Deacons,  with  black  rods,  are 
placed  on  his  right  and  left,  at  an  angular  distance  of  seven  feet. 

Marshals  are  to  walk,  or  ride,  on  the  left,  of  the  procession. 

On  entering  public  buildings,  the  Bible,  Square  and  Compass,  Book 
of  Constitutions,  etc.,  are  placed  before  the  Grand  Master.  The  Grand 
Marshal  and  Grand  Deacons  keep  near  him. —  Webb. 


MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER 


CHAPTER    XII. 

REMARKS   ON   THE   SIXTH,    OR   MOST   EXCELLENT   MASTER'S 
DEGREE. 

None  but  the  meritorious  and  praiseworthy,  none  but 
those  who  through  diligence  and  industry  have  advanced 
far  toward  perfection,  none  but  those  who  have  been  seated 
in  the  Oriental  Chair  by  the  unanimous  suffrages  of  their 
brethren,  can  be  admitted  to  this  degree  of  Masonry.1 

In  its  original  establishment,  when  the  Temple  of  Jerusa- 


1  The  regular  officers  of  a  Most  Excellent  Master's  Lodge  are  two. 
I.  Most  Excellent  Master.  2.  Most  Excellent  Senior  Warden.  The 
degree  is  capable  of  imparting  the  finest  dramatic  effect,  when  properly 
conferred.     The  whole  is  exceedingly  solemn  and  impressive. 

(115) 


116  MOST   EXCELLENT   MASTER. 

lem  was  finished,  and  the  fraternity  celebrated  the  cap-stone 
with  great  joy,  it  is  demonstrable  that  none  but  those  who 
had  proved  themselves  to  be  complete  masters  of  their  pro- 
fession were  admitted  to  this  honor;  and  indeed  the  duties 
incumbent  on  every  Mason  who  is  accepted  and  acknowl- 
edged as  a  Most  Excellent  Master,  are  such  as  render  it  in- 
dispensable that  he  should  have  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all 
the  preceding  degrees. 

One  x>f  the  following  passages  of  Scripture  is  rehearsed  at 
opening,  accompanied  by  solemn  ceremonies: 

The  earth  is  the  Lord's,  and  the  fullness  thereof;  the 
world,  and  they  that  dwell  therein.  For  he  hath  founded 
it  upon  the  seas,  and  established  it  upon  the  floods.  Who 
shall  ascend  into  the  hill  of  the  Lord?  and  who  shall  stand 
in  his  holy  place?  He  that  hath  clean  hands,  and  a  pure 
heart;  who  hath  not  lifted  up  his  soul  unto  vanity,  nor 
sworn  deceitfully.  He  shall  receive  the  blessing  from  the 
Lord,  and  righteousness  from  the  God  of  his  salvation. 
This  is  the  generation  of  them  that  seek  him,  that  seek  thy 
face,  0  Jacob.  Selah.  Lift  up  your  heads,  O  ye  gates,  and 
be  ye  lifted  up,  ye  everlasting  doors,  and  the  King  of  Glory 
shall  come  in.  Who  is  this  King  of  Glory?  The  Lord, 
strong  and  mighty,  the  Lord,  mighty  in  battle.  Lift  up 
your  heads,  0  ye  gates,  even  lift  them  up,  ye  everlasting 
doors,  and  the  King  of  Glory  shall  come  in.  Who  is  this 
King  of  Glory?  The  Lord  of  Hosts,  he  is  the  King  of. 
Glory.     Selah. — Psalm  xxiv. 

I  was  glad  when  they  said  unto  me,  Let  us  go  into  the 
house  of  the  Lord.  Our  feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates, 
0  Jerusalem.  Jerusalem  is  builded  as  a  city  that  is  compact 
together;  whither  the  tribes  go  up,  the  tribes  of  the  Lord, 
unto  the  testimony  of  Israel,  to  give  thanks  unto  the  name 
of  the  Lord.  For  there  are  set  thrones  of  judgment,  the 
thrones  of  the  house  of  David. 

Pray  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem  ;  they  shall  prosper  that 
love  thee.  Peace  be  within  thy  walls  and  prosperity  within 
thy  palaces.  For  my  brethren  and  companions'  sake,  I  will 
now  say,  Peace  be  within  thee.  Because  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord  our  God,  I  will  seek  thy  good. — Psalm  cxxii. 

In  the  original  editions  the  following  Ode  occurs  in  the  Appendix. 
It  is  set  in  this  place  for  the  grealer  convenience  of  use. 


MOST   EXCELLENT   MASTER.  H7 

> 

MOST   EXCELLENT   MASTERS'  ODE. 


AIR— "ALL  HAIL  TO  THE  MORNING. 


ARRANGED  BY  BRO.  JAS.  B.  TAYLOR. 


PIANOFORTE  I 
MELODEON.  I 


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§ 


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1.  All    hail    to      the    morning    that    bids  us       re- 

2.  Companions,     as    •    semble,    On     this  joy  -  ful 

3.  Now  those  that  are      worthy,    Our  toils  who  have 


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joice  ;  The  tern  -  pie 's    com    -    pleted,    Ex    -    alt  high  each  voice  ; 
day;  (The  occa  -  sion        is         glorious),  The       key-stone  to        lay; 
shar'd,  And  prov'd  themselves      faithful.   Shall    meet  their  re   -   ward. 

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cap-stone   is        finish'd,   Our        la    -    bor        is  o'er ;  The    sound  of       the 

fill'd  is      the     promise  By  the    An   -  cient     of  Days,  To      bring  forth    the 

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praise, 
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118 


MOST    EXCELLENT    MASTER. 


ifefcs 


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I 

ev    er    has      guid  -  ed            The  tribes  of    old  Israel,  ex    -    alting    their 

Level      or        Plumb-line,        For  Trowel      or  Gavel,  for     Compass       or 

Ex  -  cellent       mas  -   ter,        In   -  vested      with  honors,  And   power  to   pre- 


rrr 


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Q! 


fame  ;    To         Him    who      hath         govern'd        our        hearts        un 
Square ;  Our    works  are       com     -     plet  -  ed,      the  ark  safe 

side  ;    A    -    mong    wot  -  thy  craftsmen,   where  -    ev      -      er 

9 # 0 r-t r*— 


-4fil 


1  I  l 


1 h 


vid  -  ed.  Let 's  send  forth  our  voic  -  es 
seat  -  ed,  And  we  shall  be  greeted 
sembled,      The        knowledge        of         Masons 


praise  His  great  name, 
workmen  most  rare, 
spread  far  and    wide. 


^S 


mm^m 


4.  Almighty  Jehovah  ! 

Descend  now  and  fill 
This  Lodge  with  thy  glory, 

Our  hearts  with  good  will  l 
Preside  at  our  meetings, 

Assist  us  to  find 
True  pleasure  in  teaching 

Good- will  to  mankind. 


Thy  Wisdom,  inspired  the  great  institution, 
Thy  Strength  shall  support  it,  till  Nature  expire  ; 

And  when  the  creation  shall  fall  into  ruin, 
Its  Beauty  shall  rise,  through  the  midst  of  the  fire. 


MOST  EXCELLENT   MASTER. 


119 


Passages  of  Scripture  from  2  Chron.  vi :  are  also  intro- 
duced with  solemn  ceremonies.1 

Now,  when  Solomon  had  made  an  end  of  praying,  the  fire 
came  down  from  heaven  and  consumed  the  burnt-offering 
and  the  sacrifices  ;  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled  the  house. 
And  the  priests  could  not  enter  into  the  house  of  the  Lord, 
because  the  glory  of  the  Lord  had  filled  the  Lord's  house. 

And  when  all  the  children  of  Israel  saw  how  the  fire  came 
down,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  upon  the  house,  they  bowed 
themselves  with  their  faces  to  the  ground  upon  the  pave- 
ment, and  worshiped,  and  praised  the  Lord,  saying,  For  he 
is  good;  for  his  mercy  endureth  forever. — 2  Chron.  vii :  1-4. 


CHARGE  TO   BE  DELIVERED   TO   A  BROTHER  WHO    IS    ACCEPTED 
AND  ACKNOWLEDGED  AS  A  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 

"  Brother  : — Your  admittance  to  this  degree  of  Masonry, 
is  a  proof  of  the   good  opinion  the  brethren  of  this  Lodge 

•  The  whole  of  this  chapter,  or  extracts  from  it,  used  by  the  Master 
at  discretion.  As  every  Lodge  is  provided  •with  a  copy  of  the  Holy 
Scriptures  as  an  essential  part  of  its  furniture,  we  have  thought  proper 
to  omit  the  lengthy  passages,  and  use  the  space  for  other  matter  not  »q 
easily  available  to  the  Craft. 


120  MOST  EXCELLENT  MASTER. 

entertain  of  your  Masonic  abilities.  Let  this  consideration 
induce  you  to  be  careful  of  forfeiting,  by  misconduct  or 
inattention  to  our  rules,  that  esteem  which  has  raised  you 
to  the  rank  you  now  possess. 

"  It  is  one  of  your  great  duties,  as  a  Most  Excellent  Master, 
to  dispense  light  and  truth  to  the  uninformed  Mason  ;  and 
I  need  not  remind  you  of  the  impossibility  of  complying  with 
this  obligation  without  possessing  an  accurate  acquaintance 
with  the  lectures  of  each  degree. 

"  If  you  are  not  already  completely  conversant  in  all  the 
degrees  heretofore  conferred  on  you,  remember,  that  an  indul- 
gence, prompted  by  a  belief  that  you  will  apply  yourself  with 
double  diligence  to  make  yourself  so,  has  induced  the  Breth- 
ren to  accept  you. 

"  Let  it,  therefore,  be  your  unremitting  study  to  acquire 
such  a  degree  of  knowledge  and  information  as  shall  enable 
you  to  discharge  with  propriety  the  various  duties  incumbent 
on  you,  and  to  preserve  unsullied  the  title  now  conferred 
upon  you  of  a  Most  Excellent  Master." 


ROYAL  ARCH  MASON 


a  AAA  a 

A      A 
A 

A 

A 
A 

A 

CHAPTER  XIII. 


OBSERVATIONS  ON  THE   SEVENTH,  OR  DEGREE  OF  ROYAL  ARCH 

MASON. 

This  degree  is  indescribably  more  august,  sublime,  and 
important,  than  all  which  precede  it;  and  it  is  the  summit 
and  perfection  of  ancient  Masonry.  It  impresses  on  our 
minds  a  belief  of  the  being  and  existence  of  a  Supreme  Deity, 
without  beginning  of  days  or  end  of  years :  and  reminds  us 
of  the  reverence  due  to  his  holy  name. 

This  degree  brings  to  light  many  essentials  of  the  Craft,, 
which  were  for  the  space  of  four  hundred  and  seventy  years 
buried  in  darkness  ;  and  without  a  knowledge  of  which  the 
Masonic  character  can  not  be  complete. 

11  (121) 


122  ROYAL   ARCH. 

The  following  passage  of  Scripture  is  read  at  the  open- 
ing : 

Now  we  command  you,  brethren,  that  ye  withdraw  your- 
selves from  every  brother  that  walketh  disorderly,  and  not 
after  the  tradition  which  ye  received  of  us.  For  yourselves 
know  how  ye  ought  to  follow  us,  for  we  behaved  not  ourselves 
disorderly  among  you.  Neither  did  we  eat  any  man's  bread 
for  naught,  but  wrought  with  labor  and  travail  night  and 
day,  that  we  might  not  be  chargeable  to  any  of  you.  Not 
because  we  have  not  power,  but  to  make  ourselves  an  ensam- 
p!e  unto  you  to  follow  us.  For  even  when  we  were  with  you, 
this  we  commanded  you,  that  if  any  would  not  work,  neither 
should  he  eat:  For  we  hear  that  there  are  some  which  walk 
among  you  disorderly,  working  not  at  all,  but  are  busybodies. 
Now  them  that  are  such,  we  command  and  exhort,  that  with 
quietness  they  work,  and  eat  their  own  bread.  But  ye, 
brethren,  be  ye  not  weary  in  well-doing.  And  if  any  man 
obey  not  our  word,  note  that  man,  and  have  no  company  with 
him,  that  he  may  be  ashamed.  Yet  count  him  not  as  an 
enemy,  but  admonish  him  as  a  brother.  Now  the  Lord  of 
peace  himself  give  you  peace  always,  by  all  means.  The 
salutations  of  Paul,  with  mine  own  hand,  which  is  the  token: 
so  I  write. — 2  Tkess.  iii :  6-17. 

OBSERVATIONS  ON  THE  SEVENTH  LECTURE. 

The  lecture  of  this  degree  is  divided  into  two  sections,  and 
should  be  well  understood  by  every  Royal  Arch  Mason. 
Upon  an  accurate  acquaintance  with  it,  will  depend  his  use- 
fulness, at  our  assemblies  ;  and  without  it,  he  will  be  unquali- 
fied to  perform  the  duties  of  the  various  stations  in  which 
his  services  may  be  required  by  the  Chapter.1 

THE  FIRST  SECTION. 

The  first  section  opens  to  our  view  a  large  field  for  con- 
templation and  study.     It  furnishes  us  with  many  interesting 

1  The  officers  of  a  Chapter,  independent  of  the  Tyler,  are  nine,  viz. : 
High  Priest,  King,  Scribe,  Captain  of  the  Host,  Principal  Sojourner, 
Roval  Arch  Captain,  Grand  Master  3d  Vail,  Grand  Master  2d  Vail, 
Grand  Master  1st  Vail. 


SECOND    SECTION. 


123 


particulars  relative  to  the  state  of  the  fraternity,  during  and 
since  the  reign  of  King  Solomon;  and  illustrates  the  causes 
and  consequences  of  some  very  important  events  which 
occurred  during  his  reign. 

This  section  explains  the  mode  of  government  in  this  class 
of  Masons;  it  designates  the  appellation,  number,  and  situa- 
tion, of  the  several  officers;  and  points  out  the  purposes  and 
duties  of  their  respective  stations. 


THE  SECOND  SECTION. 

This  section  contains  much  valuable  historical  information, 
and  proves,  beyond  the  power  of  contradiction,  and  in  thv 
most  striking  colors,  that  prosperity  and  happiness  are  ever 
the  ultimate  consequences  of  virtue  and  justice,  while  dis- 
grace and  ruin  invariably  follow  the  practices  of  vice  and 
immorality. 

A  proper  arrangement  of  the  following  charges,  etc.,  is 
essentially  necessary  to  be  observed  in  every  Chapter;  and 
their  application  should  be  familiar  to  every  Royal  Arch 
Mason. 

I  will  bring  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not;  I  will 


1*,4  ROYAL  ARCH. 

lead  them  in  paths  that  they  have  not  known;  I  will  maka 
darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked  things  straight: 
These  things  will  I  do  unto  them,  and  will  not  forsake  them. 
— Isaiah,  xlii..  16. 


PRATER   REHEARSED   DURING   THE   CEREMONY  OF   EXALTATION 
TO  THE  DEGREE   OF  ROYAL  ARCH  MASON. 

"Supreme  Architect  of  Universal  Nature,  who,  by  thine 
almighty  word,  didst  speak  into  being  the  stupendous  Arch 
of  Heaven,  and  for  the  instruction  and  pleasure  of  thy 
rational  creatures,  didst  adorn  us  with  greater  and  lesser 
lights;  thereby  magnifying  Thy  power,  and  endearing  Thy 
goodness  unto  the  sons  of  men :  we  humbly  adore  and  worship 
thine  unspeakable  perfection.  We  bless  Thee  that  when  man 
had  fallen  from  his  innocence  and  his  happiness,  Thou  didst 
still  leave  unto  him  the  powers  of  reasoning,  and  capacity 
of  improvement  and  of  pleasure.  We  thank  Thee  that  amid 
the  pains  and  calamities  of  our  present  state,  so  many  means 
of  refreshment  and  satisfaction  are  reserved  unto  us,  while 
traveling  the  rugged  path  of  life.  Especially  would  we  at 
this  time  render  Thee  our  thanksgiving  and  praise  for  the 
institution,  as  members  of  which  we  are  at  this  time  assem- 
bled, and  for  all  the  pleasures  we  have  derived  from  it.  We 
thank  Thee  that  the  few  here  assembled  before  Thee,  have 
been  favored  with  new  inducements,  and  laid  under  new  and 
stronger  obligations,  to  virtue  and  holiness.  May  these 
obligations,  0  blessed  Father,  have  their  full  effect  upon  us. 
Teach  us,  we  pray  Thee,  the  true  reverence  of  Thy  great, 
mighty  and  terrible  name.  Inspire  us  with  a  firm  and  un- 
shaken resolution  in  our  virtuous  pursuits.  Give  us  grace 
diligently  to  search  Thy  word  in  the  Book  of  Nature,  wherein 
the  duties  of  our  high  vocation  are  inculcated  with  divine 
authority.  May  the  solemnity  of  the  ceremonies  of  our  insti- 
tution be  duly  impressed  on  our  minds,  and  have  a  lasting 
and  happy  effect  upon  our  lives.  0  Thou,  who  didst  afore- 
time appear  unto  Thy  servant  Moses  in  a  flame  of  fire  out  of 
the  midst  of  a.  bush,  enkindle,  we  beseech  Thee,  in  each  of  our 
hearts,  a  flame  of  devotion  to  Thee,  of  love  to  each  other, 
and  of  charity  to  us  all  mankind.  May  all  Thy  miracles  and 
mighty  works  fill  us  with  the  dread,  and  Thy  goodness  impress 
ua  with  the  love  of  Thy  holy  name.    May  holiness  to  the  Lord 


SECOND    SECTION. 


125 


be  engraven  on  all  our  thoughts,  words  and  actions.  May 
the  incense  of  piety  ascend  continually  unto  Thee  from  the 
altar  of  our  hearts,  and  burn,  day  and  night,  as  a  sacrifice 
of  a  sweet-smelling  savor,  well-pleasing  unto  Thee.  And 
since  sin  has  destroyed  within  us  the  first  temple  of  purity 
and  innocence,  may  Thy  heavenly  grace  guide  and  assist  us 
in  rebuilding  a  second  Temple  of  reformation,  and  may  the 
glory  of  this  latter  house  be  greater  than  the  glory  of  the 
former.     Amen." 

Now  Moses  kept  the  flock  of  Jethro  his  father-in-law,  the 
priest  of  Midian;  and  he  led  the  flock  to  the  backside  of  the 
desert,  and  came  to  the  mountain  of  God,  even  to  Horeb. 
And  the  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  unto  him  in  a  flame  of 
fire  out  of  the  midst  of  a  bush:  and  he  looked,  and,  behold, 
the  bush  burned  with  fire,  and  the  bush  was  not  consumed. 
And  Moses  said,  I  will  now  turn  aside,  and  see  this  great 
sight,  why  the  bush  is  not  burned.  And  when  the  Lord  saw 
that  he  turned  aside  to  see,  God  called  unto  him  out  of  the 


midst  of  the  bush,  and  said,  Moses,  Moses !  And  he  said, 
Here  am  I.  And  he  said,  Draw  not  nigh  hither  :  put  off  thy 
shoes  from  thy  feet,  for  the  place  whereon  thou  standest  is 
holy  ground.     Moreover  he  said,  I  am  the  God  of  thy  father; 


126 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


the  God  of  Abraham,  the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob. 
And  Moses  hid  his  face,  for  he  was  afraid  to  look  upon  God. 
! — Exodus  iii :  1-6. 

Zedekiah  was  one-and-twenty  years  old  when  he  began  to 
reign,  and  reigned  eleven  years  in  Jerusalem.  And  he  did 
that  which  was  evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord  his  God,  and 
humbled  not  himself  before  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  speaking 
from  the  mouth  of  the  Lord.  And  he  also  rebelled  against 
King  Nebuchadnezzar,  and  stiffened  his  neck,  and  hardened 
his  heart  from  turning  unto  the  Lord  God  of  Israel. 

Moreover,  all  the  chiefs  of  the  priests  and  the  people  trans- 
gressed very  much,  after  all  the  abominations  of  the  heathen, 
and  polluted  the  house  of  the  Lord,  which  he  had  hallowed 
in  Jerusalem.  And  the  Lord  God  of  their  fathers  sent  to 
them  by  his  messengers;  because  he  had  compassion  on  his 
people,  and  on  his  dwelling-place.  But  they  mocked  the 
messengers  of  God,  and  despised  his  words,  and  misused  his 
prophets,  until  the  wrath  of  the  Lord  arose  against  his  people, 
till  there  was  no  remedy.  Therefore  he  brought  upon  them 
the  king  of  the  Chaldees,  who  slew  their  young  men  with  the 
sword,  in  the  house  of  their  sanctuary,  and  had  no  compassion 
upon  young  men  or  maiden,  old  men,  or  him  that  stooped  for 
age ;  he  gave  them  all  into  his  hand.      And  all  the  vessels  of 

the  house  of  God,  great 
and  small,  and  trea- 
sures of  the  house  of 
the  Lord,  and  the  trea- 
sures of  the  king,  and 
of  his  princes;  all  these 
he  brought  to  Babylon. 
And  they  burnt  the 
house  of  God,  and 
brake  down  the  wall  of 
Jerusalem,  and  burnt 
all  the  palaces  thereof 
with  fire,  and  destroyed 
all  the  goodly  vessels 
thereof.  And  them 
that  had  escaped  from 
the  sword,  carried  he  away  to  Babylon  ;  where  they  were  ser- 
vants to  him  and  his  sons,  until  the  reign  of  the  kingdom 
of  Persia.— 2  Chron.xxxvi:  11-20. 


SECOND    SECTION. 


127 


Now,  in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus,  king  of  Persia,  the  Lord 
stirred  up  the  spirit  of  Cyrus,  king  of  Persia,  that  he  made  a 
proclamation  throughout  all  his  kingdom,  and  put  it  also  in 
writing,  saying,  Thus  saith  Cyrus,  king  of  Persia,  The  Lord 
God  of  Heaven  hath  given  me  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  earth 
and  he  hath  charged  me  to  build  him  an  house  at  Jerusalem 
which  is  in  Judah. 


PROCLAMATION  OF  CYRUS. 

WHO  IS  THERE  AMONG  YOU  OF  ALL  HIS 
PEOPLE?  HIS  GOD  BE  WITH  HIM,  AND  LET  HIM 
GO  UP  TO  JERUSALEM,  WHICH  IS  IN  JUDAH, 
AND  BUILD  THE  HOUSE  OF  THE  LORD  GOD  OF 
ISRAEL.  HE  IS  THE  GOD  WHICH  IS  IN  JERU- 
SALEM.— Ezra  i :  1-3. 


fta» 


And  Moses  said  unto  God,  Behold,  when  I  come  unto  the 
children  of  Israel,  and  shall  say  unto  them,  The  God  of  your 
fathers  hath  sent  me  unto  you;  and  they  shall  say  to  me, 
What  is  his  name?  what  shall  I  say  unto  them  ? 


128  ROYAL   ARCH. 

And  God  said  unto  Moses  I  am  that  I  am:  And  thus 
shalt  thou  say  unto  the  children  of  Israel,  I  am  hath  sent  me 
unto  you. — Exodus  iii :  13,  14. 

Lord,  I  cry  unto  Thee  :  make  haste  unto  me :  give  ear 
unto  my  voice.  Let  my  prayer  be  set  forth  before  Thee  as 
incense,  and  the  lifting  up  of  my  hands  as  the  evening  sacri- 
fice. Set  a  watch,  0  Lord,  before  my  mouth  ;  keep  the  door 
of  my  lips.  Incline  not  my  heart  to  any  evil  thing,  to  prac- 
tice wicked  works  with  men  that  work  iniquity.  Let  the 
righteous  smite  me,  it  shall  be  a  kindness ;  and  let  him  re- 
prove me,  it  shall  be  an  excellent  oil.  Mine  eyes  are  unto 
Thee,  0  God  the  Lord  :  in  Thee  is  my  trust ;  leave  not  my 
soul  destitute.  Keep  me  from  the  snares  which  they  have 
laid  for  me,  and  the  gins  of  the  workers  of  iniquity.  Let  the 
wicked  fall  into  their  own  nets,  whilst  that  I  withal  escape. — 
Psalm  cxli. 

I  cried  unto  the  Lord  with  my  voice ;  with  my  voice  unto 
the  Lord  did  I  make  my  supplication.  I  poured  out  my  com- 
plaint before  him  :  I  snowed  before  him  my  trouble.  When 
my  spirit  was  overwhelmed  within  me,  then  Thou  knewestmy 
path :  in  the  way  wherein  I  walked  have  they  privily  laid  a 
snare  for  me.  I  looked  on  my  right  hand,  and  beheld,  but 
there  was  no  man  that  would  know  me;  refuge  failed  me  :  no 
man  cared  for  my  soul.  I  cried  unto  Thee,  O  Lord ;  I  said, 
Thou  art  my  refuge,  and  my  portion  in  the  land  of  the  living. 
Attend  unto  my  cry ;  for  I  am  brought  very  low :  deliver  me 
from  my  persecutors ;  for  they  are  stronger  than  I.  Bring 
my  soul  out  of  darkness,  that  I  may  praise  Thy  name. — 
Psalm  cxlii. 

Hear  my  prayer,  0  Lord ;  give  ear  to  my  supplications : 
in  Thy  faithfulness  answer  me,  and  in  Thy  righteousness. 
And  enter  not  into  judgment  with  Thy  servant :  for  in  Thy 
sight  shall  no  man  living  be  justified.  For  the  enemy  hath 
persecuted  my  soulj  he  hath  smitten  my  life  down  to  the 
ground :  he  hath  made  me  to  dwell  in  darkness.  Therefore 
is  my  spirit  overwhelmed  within  me :  my  heart  within  me  is 
desolate.  Hear  me  speedily,  0  Lord  ;  my  spirit  faileth  :  hide 
not  Thy  face  from  me,  lest  I  be  like  unto  them  that  go  down 
into  the  pit.  Cause  me  to  hear  Thy  loving-kindness  in  the 
morning  ;  for  in  Thee  do  I  trust:  cause  me  to  know  the  way 
wherein  I  should  walk ;  for  I  lift  my  soul  unto  Thee.  Teach 
me  to  do  Thy  will ;  for  Thou  art  my  God  :  bring  my  soul  out 


SECOND   SECTION.  129 

of  trouble,  and  of  Thy  mercy  cut  off  mitie  enemies,  for  I  am 
Thy  servant. — Psalm  cxliii. 

And  Moses  answered  and  said,  But,  behold  !  they  will  not 
believe  me,  nor  hearken  unto  my  voice  :  for  they  will  say, 
The  Lord  hath  not  appeared  unto  thee.  And  the  Lord  said 
unto  him,  What  is  that  in  thine  hand?  And  he  said,  A  rod. 
And  he  said,  Cast  it  on  the  ground  ;  and  he  cast  it  on  the 
ground,  and  it  became  a  serpent;  and  Moses  fled  from  before 
it.  And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Put  forth  thine  hand, 
and  take  it  by  the  tail.  And  he  put  forth  his  hand  and 
caught  it,  and  it  became  a  rod  in  his  hand.  That  they  may 
believe  that  the  Lord  God  of  your  fathers,  the  God  of  Abra- 
ham, the  God  of  Isaac,  and  the  God  of  Jacob,  hath  appeared 
unto  thee. 

And  the  Lord  said  furthermore  unto  him,  Put  now  thine 
hand  into  thy  bosom  ;  and  he  put  his  hand  into  his  bosom  : 
and  when  he  took  it  out,  behold,  his  hand  was  leprous  as 
snow.  And  He  said,  Put  thine  hand  into  thy  bosom  again  : 
and  he  put  his  hand  into  his  bosom  again,  and  plucked  it  out 
of  his  bosom,  and,  behold,  it  was  turned  again  as  his  other 
flesh.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not  believe  thee, 
neither  hearken  to  the  voice  of  the  first  sign,  that  they  will 
believe  the  voice  of  the  latter  sign. 

And  it  shall  come  to  pass,  if  they  will  not  believe  also  these 
two  signs,  neither  hearken  unto  thy  voice,  that  thou  shalt 
take  of  the  water  of  the  river,  and  pour  it  upon  the  dry  land : 
and  the  water  which  thou  takest  out  of  the  river  shall  become 
blood  upon  the  dry  land. — Exodus  iv  :  1-10. 

In  the  seventh  month,  in  the  one-and-twentieth  day  of  the 
month,  came  the  word  of  the  Lord  by  the  prophet  Haggai, 
saying,  Speak  now  to  Zerubbabel  the  son  of  Shealtiel,  gov- 
ernor of  Judah,  and  to  Joshua  the  son  of  Josedech,  the  high 
priest,  and  to  the  residue  of  the  people,  saying,  Who  is  left 
among  you  that  saw  this  house  in  her  first  glory?  and  how 
do  ye  see  it  now?  is  it  not  in  your  eyes  in  comparison  of  it 
as  nothing?  Yet  now  be  strong,  0  Zerubbabel,  and  be 
strong,  0  Joshua,  son  of  Josedech  the  high  priest,  and  be 
strong,  all  ye  people  of  the  land,  and  work ;  for  I  am  with 
you,  according  to  the  word  which  I  covenanted  with  you 
when  ye  came  out  of  Egypt,  so  my  spirit  remaineth  among 
you:  fear  ye  not.  For  thus  saith  the  Lord  of  hosts,  Yet  once, 
it  is  a  little  while,  and  I  will  shake  the  heavens,  and  the 


130 


ROYAL   ARCH. 


earth,  and  the  sea,  and  the  dry  land:  and  I  will  shake  all 
nations,  and  the  desire  of  all  nations  shall  come,  and  I  will 
fill  this  ho'use  with  glory.  The  silver  is  mine,  and  the  gold 
is  mine.  The  glory  of  this  latter  house  shall  be  greater  than 
of  the  former,,  and  in  this  place  will  I  give  peace. 

In  that  day  will  I  take  thee,  0  Zerubbabel,  my  servant, 
the  son  of  Shealtiel,  saith  the  Lord,  and  will  make  thee  as  a 
signet:  for  I  have  chosen  thee. — Haggai  ii:  1-9,  23. 


SECOND    SECTION.  131 

This  is  the  word  of  the  Lord  unto  Zerubbabel,  saying, 
Not  by  might  nor  power,  but  by  my  spirit.  Who  art  thou, 
0  great  mountain  ?  before  Zerubbabel  thou  shalt  become  a 
plain,  and  he  shall  bring  forth  the  head-stone  thereof  with 
shouting,  crying  Grace,  grace,  unto  it.  Moreover,  the  word 
of  the  Lord  came  unto  me  saying,  The  hands  of  Zerubbabel 
have  laid  the  foundation  of  this  house,  his  hands  shall  also 
finish  it;  and  thou  shalt  know  that  the  Lord  of  Hosts  hath 
sent  me  unto  you.  For  who  hath  despised  the  day  of  small 
things?  for  they  shall  rejoice,  and  shall  see  the  plummet  in 
the  hands  of  Zerubbabel  with  those  seven. — Zechariah  iv : 
6-10. 

In  the  beginning  was  the  Word,  and  the  Word  was  with 
God,  and  the  Word  was  God.  The  same  was  in  the  beginning 
with  God.  All  things  were  made  by  him  ;  and  without  him 
was  not  anything  made  that  was  made.  In  him  was  life, 
and  the  life  was  the  light  of  men.  And  the  light  shineth 
in  darkness,  and  the  darkness  comprehendeth  it  not. — John 
i:  1-5. 

And  it  came  to  pass  when  Moses  had  made  an  end  of 
writing  the  words  of  this  law  in  a  book,  until  they  were 
finished,  that  Moses  commanded  the  Levites  which  bare  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Take  this  book  of 
the  law,  and  put  it  in  the  side  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  it  may  be  there  for  a  witness 
against  thee. — Deuteronomy  xxxi :  24-26. ' 

And  thou  shalt  put  the  Mercy  Seat  above,  upon  the  ark; 
and  in  the  ark  thou  shalt  put  the  testimony  that  I  shall  give 
thee. — Exodus  xxv  :  21 . 

And  Moses  said,  This  is  the  thing  which  the  Lord  com- 
mandeth,  Fill  an  omer  of  the  manna,  to  be  kept  for  your 
generations:  that  they  may  see  the  bread  wherewith  I  have 
fed  you  in  the  wilderness,  when  I  brought  you  forth  from 
the  land  of  Egypt.  And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  a  pot 
and  put  an  omer  full  of  manna  therein,  and  lay  it  up  before 
the  Lord,  to  be  kept  for  your  generations.  As  the  Lord 
commanded  Moses,  so  Aaron  laid  it  up  before  the  testimony 
to  be  kept. — Exodus  xvi :  32-34. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Bring  Aaron's  rod  again  be- 
fore the  testimony,  to  be  kept  for  a  token. — Numbers  xvii:  10. 

For  there  was  a  tabernacle  made;  the  first  wherein  was 
the  candlestick,  and  the  table,  and  the  showbread;  which  is 


132 


ROYAL  ARCH. 


called  The  Sanctuary.  And  after  the  vails,  the  tabernacle, 
which  is  called  The  Holiest  of  all;  which  had  a  golden  cen- 
ser, and  the  ark  of  the  covenant  overlaid  round  about  with 
gold,  wherein  was  the  golden  pot  that  had  manna,  and 
Aaron's  rod  that  budded,  and  the  tables  of  the  covenant; 
and  over  it  the  cherubims  of  glory,  shadowing  the  mercy- 
seat  ;  of  which  we  can  not  now  speak  particularly. — Hebrews 
ix  :  2-5. 

In  that  day  will  I  raise  up  the  tabernacle  of  David  that  is 
fallen,  and  close  up  the  breaches  thereof,  and  I  will  raise  up 
his  ruins,  and  I  will  build  it  as  in  the  days  of  old. — Amos 
ix:  11. 


SECOND   SECTION.  133 

And  God  spake  unto  Moses,  and  said  unto  him,  I  am  the 
Lord :  And  I  appeared  unto  Abraham,  unto  Isaac,  ancl  unto 
Jacob,  by  the  name  of  God  Almighty,  but  by  my  name  Jeho- 
vah was  I  not  known  to  them. — Exodus  vi:  2,  3. 

The  following  particulars,  relative  to  King  Solomon's 
Temple,  may  with  propriety  be  here  introduced,  and  can  not 
be  uninteresting  to  a  Royal  Arch  Mason  : 

This  famous  fabric  was  situated  on  Mount  Moriah,  near 
the  place  where  Abraham  was  about  to  offer  up  his  son  Isaac, 
and  where  David  met  and  appeased  the  destroying  angel.  It 
was  begun  in  the  fourth  year  of  the  reign  of  Solomon  ;  the 
third  after  the  death  of  David ;  four  hundred  and  eighty 
years  after  the  passage  of  the  Red  Sea,  and  on  the  second 
day  of  the  Month  Zif,  being  the  second  month  of  the  sacred 
year,  which  answers  to  the  twenty-first  of  April,  in  the  year 
of  the  world  2992,  and  was  carried  on  with  such  prodigious 
speed,  that  it  was  finished,  in  all  its  parts,  in  little  more  than 
seven  years. 

By  the  Masonic  art,  and  the  wise  regulations  of  Solomon, 
every  part  of  the  building,  whether  of  stone,  brick,  timber  or 
metal,  was  wrought  and  prepared  before  it  was  brought  to 
Jerusalem  so  that  the  only  tools  made  use  of  in  erecting  the 
fabric  were  wooden  instruments  prepared  for  that  purpose. 
The  noise  of  the  ax,  the  hammer,  and  every  other  tool  of 
metal,  was  confined  to  the  forests  of  Lebanon,  where  the 
timber  was  procured,  and  to  Mount  Libanus,  and  the  plains 
and  quarries  of  Zeredatha,  where  the  stones  were  raised, 
squared,  marked  and  numbered ;  that  nothing  might  be 
heard  among  the  Masons  at  Jerusalem,  but  harmony  and 
peace. 

In  the  year  of  the  world  3029,  King  Solomon  died,  and 
was  succeeded  by  his  son  Rehoboam,  who,  immediately  after 
the  death  of  his  father,  went  down  to  Shechem,  where  the 
chiefs  of  the  people  were  met  together  to  proclaim  him 
king.      * 

When  Jeroboam,  the  son  of  Nebat,  who  was  in  Egypt, 
whither  he  had  fled  from  the  presence  of  Solomon,  and  whose 
ambition  had  long  aspired  to  the  throne,  heard  of  the  death 
of  the  king,  he  hastened  to  return  from  Egypt,  to  put  him- 
self at  the  head  of  the  discontented  tribes,  and  lead  them  on 
to  rebellion.  He  accordingly  assembled  them  together,  and 
came  to  King  Rehoboam,  and  spake  to  him  after  this  manner; 


134  ROYAL   ARCH. 

Thy  father  made  our  yoke  grievous;  now,  therefore,  ease 
thou  somewhat  the  grievous  servitude  of  thy  father,  and  his 
heavy  yoke  that  he  put  upon  us,  and  we  will  serve  thee.  And 
he  said  unto  them,  Come  again  unto  me  after  three  days.  And 
the  people  departed.  And  King  Rehoboam  took  counsel 
with  the  old  men  that  had  stood  before  Solomon  his  father 
while  he  yet  lived,  saying,  What  counsel  give  ye  me,  to 
return  answer  to  this  people?  And  they  spake  unto  him, 
saying,  If  thou  be  kind  to  this  people,  and  please  them,  and 
speak  good  words  to  them,  they  will  be  thy  servants  forever. 
But  he  forsook  the  counsel  which  the  old  men  gave  him,  and 
took  counsel  with  the  young  men  that  were  brought  up  with 
him,  that  stood  before  him.  And  he  said  unto  them,  What 
advice  give  ye,  that  we  may  return  answer  to  this  people, 
which  have  spoken  to  me,  saying,  Ease  somewhat  the  yoke 
that  thy  father  did  put  upon  us  ?  And  the  young  men  that 
were  brought  up  with  him  spake  unto  him,  saying,  Thus 
shalt  thou  answer  the  people  that  spake  unto  thee,  saying, 
Thy  father  made  our  yoke  heavy,  but  make  thou  it  somewhat 
lighter  for  us  ;  thus  shalt  thou  say  unto  them,  My  little  finger 
shall  be  thicker  than  my  father's  loins.  For,  whereas  my 
father  put  a  heavy  yoke  upon  you,  I  will  put  more  to  your 
yoke  ;  my  father  chastised  you  with  whips,  but  I  will  chastise 
you  with  scorpions.  So  Jeroboam  and  all  the  people  came 
to  Rehoboam  on  the  third  day,  as  the  king  bade,  saying, 
Come  again  to  me  on  the  third  day.  And  the  king  answered 
them  roughly  ;  and  King  Rehoboam  forsook  the  counsel  of 
the  old  men ;  and  answered  them  after  the  advice  of  the 
young  men,  saying,  My  father  made  your  yoke  heavy,  but 
I  will  add  thereto;  my  father  chastised  you  with  whips,  but 
I  will  chastise  you  with  scorpions.  And  when  all  Israel  saw 
that  the  king  would  not  hearken  unto  them,  the  people 
answered  the  king,  saying,  What  portion  have  we  in  David? 
and  we  have  none  inheritance  in  the  son  of  Jesse:  every 
man  to  your  tents,  0  Israel  ;  and  now,  David,  see  to  thine 
own  house.     So  all  Israel  went  to  their  tents. — 2  Chron.  x. 

But  as  for  the  children  of  Israel  that  dwelt  in  the  cities 
of  Judah  and  Benjamin,  Rehoboam  reigned  over  them. 

In  this  manner  were  the  tribes  of  Israel  divided,  and  under 
two  distinct  governments,  for  two  hundred  and  .fifty-four 
years,  when  the  ten  revolted  tribes,  having  become  weak  and 
degenerated,  by  following  the  wickedness  and  idolatry  of  the 


SECOND   SECTION.  135 

kings  who  governed  them,  fell  a  prey  to  Salmanezer,  king  of 
Assyria,  who  in  the  reign  of  Hoshea,  king  of  Israel,  besieged 
the  city  of  Samaria,  laid  their  country  waste,  and  utterly 
extirpated  their  government.  Such  was  the  wretched  fate  of 
a  people  who  disdained  subjection  to  the  laws  of  the  house 
of  David,  and  whose  impiety  and  effeminacy  ended  in  their 
destruction. 

After  a  series  of  changes  and  events,  of  which  an  account 
may  be  found  in  the  history  of  the  Temple,  Nebuchadnezzar, 
king  of  Babylon,  with  his  forces,  took  possession  of  Jeru- 
salem, and  having  made  captive  Jehoiachim,  the  king  of 
Jiidah,  elevated  his  uncle  Zedekiah  to  the  throne,  after  bind- 
ing him  by  a  solemn  oath,  neither  to  make  innovations  in 
the  government,  nor  to  take  part  with  the  Egyptians  in  their 
wars  against  Babylon. 

At  the  end  of  eight  years  Zedekiah  violated  his  oath  to 
Nebuchadnezzar,  by  forming  a  treaty  offensive  and  defensive 
with  the  Egyptians;  thinking  that  jointly  they  could  subdue 
the  king  of  Babylon.  Nebuchadnezzar  immediately  marched 
and  ravaged  Zedekiah's  country,  seized  his  castle  and  fortress, 
and  proceeded  to  the  siege  of  Jerusalem.  Pharaoh,  learning 
how  Zedekiah  was  pressed,  advanced  to  his  relief,  with  a 
view  of  raising  the  siege.  Nebuchadnezzar,  having  intima- 
tion thereof,  would  not  wait  his  approach,  but  proceeded  to 
give  him  battle,  and,  in  one  contest,  drove  him  out  of  Syria. 
This  circumstance  suspended  the  siege. 

In  the  ninth  year  of  Zedekiah's  reign,  the  king  of  Baby- 
lon again  besieged  Jerusalem,  with  a  large  army,  and  for  a 
year  and  a  half  exerted  all  his  strength  to  conquer  it,  but  the 
city  did  not  yield,  though  enfeebled  by  famine. and  pestilence. 

In  the  eleventh  year,  the  siege  went  on  vigorously ;  the 
Babylonians  completed  their  works,  having  raised  towers  all 
round  the  city,  so  as  to  drive  the  invaded  party  from  its  walls. 
The  place,  though  a  prey  to  plague  and  famine,  was  obsti- 
nately defended  during  the  space  of  a  year  and  a  half.  But 
at  length,  want  of  provisions  and  forces  compelled  its  sur- 
render, and  it  was  accordingly  delivered,  at  midnight,  to  the 
officers  of  Nebuchadnezzar. 

Zedekiah,  seeing  the  troops  enter  the  Temple,  absconded  by 
a  narrow  pass  to  the  desert,  with  his  officers  and  friends;  but 
advice  of  his  escape  being  given  to  the  Babylonians,  they 
pursued  them  early  in  the   morning,  and   surrounded  them 


136  ROYAL  ARCH. 

near  Jericho,  where  they  were  bound,  and  carried  before  the 
king,  who  ordered  his  wives  and  children  to  be  put  to  death 
in  his  sight;  and  then  ordered  Zedekiah's  eyes  to  be  put  out, 
and  himself  conducted  in  chains  to  Babylon. 

After  this  victory,  Nebuchadnezzar  dispatched  his  principal 
officer,  Nebuzaradan,  to  Jerusalem,  to  ransack  and  burn  both 
palace  and  Temple,  to  raze  the  city  to  the  ground,  and  con- 
duct the  captive  inhabitants  to  Babylon;  this  order  he  accord- 
ingly executed.  Among  the  captives,  were  the  following 
persons  of  eminence:  Seraiah,  the  High  Priest;  Zephaniah, 
next  in  rank;  the  secretary  to  the  king;  three  principal 
keepers  of  the  Temple  ;  seven  of  the  king's  chosen  friends, 
and  other  persons  of  distinction. 

In  the  seventieth  year  of  the  captivity  of  the  Jews,  and  the 
first  of  the  reign  of  Cyrus,  king  of  Persia,  he  issued  his 
famous  edict,  purporting  that  the  God  adored  by  the  Israel- 
ites was  the  eternal  Being  through  whose  bounty  he  enjoyed 
the  regal  dignity,  and  that  he  had  found  himself  honorably 
mentioned  by  the  prophets  of  ancient  date,  as  the  person  who 
sbould  cause  Jerusalem  to  be  rebuilt,  and  restore  the  Hebrews 
to  their  former  state  of  grandeur  and  independency;  he, 
therefore,  gave  orders  for  the  release  of  the  captives,  with  his 
permission  to  return  to  their  own  native  country,  to  rebuild 
the  city,  and  the  house  of  the  Lord. 

The  principal  people  of  the  tribes  of  Judah  and  Benjamin, 
with  the  priests  and  Levites,  immediately  departed  for  Jeru- 
salem, and  commenced  the  undertaking;  but  many  of  the 
Jews  determined  to  remain  in  Babylon  rather  than  relinquish 
the  possessions  they  had  obtained  in  that  city. 

CHARGE    TO  A   NEWLY   EXALTED    COMPANION. 

"  Worthy  Companion: — By  the  consent  and  assistance  of 
the  members  of  this  Chapter,  you  are  now  exalted  to  the  sub- 
lime'and  honorable  degree  of  a  Royal  Arch  Mason. 

**  Having  attained  this  degree,  you  have  arrived  at  the 
summit  and  perfection  of  ancient  Masonry;  and  are  conse- 
quently entitled  to  a  full  explanation  of  the  mysteries  of  the 
Order. 

"  The  rites  and  mysteries  developed  in  this  degree  have 
been  handed  down  through  a  chosen  few,  unchanged  by  time, 
and  uncontrolled   by  prejudice;    and  we  expect   and   trust, 


SECOND   SECTION.  137 

they  will  be  regarded  by  you  with  the  same  veneration,  and 
transmitted  with  the  same  scrupulous  purity  to  your  suc- 
cessors. 

"  No  one  can  reflect  on  the  ceremonies  of  gaining  admis- 
sion into  this  place,  without  being  forcibly  struck  with  the 
important  lessons  which  they  teach. 

"  Here  we  are  necessarily  led  to  contemplate  with  gratitude 
and  admiration  the  sacred  source  from  whence  all  earthly 
comforts  flow;  here  we  find  additional  inducements  to  con- 
tinue steadfast  and  immovable  in  the  discharge  of  our  respec- 
tive duties;  and  here  we  are  bound,  by  the  most  solemn  ties, 
to  promote  each  other's  welfare,  and  correct  each  other's  fail- 
ings, by  advice,  admonition,  and  reproof. 

"  As  it  is  our  most  earnest  desire,  and  a  duty  we  owe  to 
our  Companions  of  this  Order,  that  the  admission  of  every 
candidate  into  this  Chapter  should  be  attended  by  the  appro- 
bation of  the  most  scrutinizing  eye,  we  hope  always  to  possess 
the  satisfaction  of  finding  none  among  us,  but  such  as  will 
promote  to  the  utmost  of  their  power  the  great  end  of  our 
institution.  By  paying  due  attention  to  this  determination, 
we  expect  you  will  never  recommend  any  candidate  to  this 
Chapter,  whose  abilities  and  knowledge  of  the  foregoing  de- 
grees, you  can  not  freely  vouch  for,  and  whom  you  do  not 
firmly  and  confidently  believe,  will  fully  conform  to  the  prin- 
ciples of  our  Order,  and  fulfill  the  obligations  of  a  Royal  Arch 
Mason.  While  such  are  our  members,  we  may  expect  to  be 
united  in  one  object,  without  lukewarmness,  inattention  or 
neglect;  and  that  zeal,  fidelity,  and  affection,  will  be  the  dis- 
tinguishing characteristics  of  our  society,  and  that  satisfac- 
tion, harmony,  and  peace  be  enjoyed  at  our  meetings,  which 
no  other  society  can  afford." 

CLOSING. 

The  Chapter  is  closed  with  solemn  ceremonies  ;  and  the 
following  prayer  is  rehearsed,  by  the  Most  Excellent  High 
Priest. 

"  By  the  Wisdom  of  the  Supreme  High  Priest  may  we  be 
directed,  by  his  Strength   may  we   be  enabled,  and    by  the 
Beauty  of  virtue  may  we  be  incited,  to  perform  the  obliga- 
tions here  enjoined  on  us;  to  keep  inviolably  the  mysteries 
12 


138  ROYAL   ARCH. 

here   unfolded   to  us ;    and  invariably  to   practice   all  thos 
duties  out  of  the  Chapter,  which  are  inculcated  in  it." 
Response:  So  mote  it  be.     Amen. 

After  these  observations  little  more  can  be  wanted  to 
encourage  the  zealous  Mason  to  persevere  in  his  researches. 
Whoever  has  traced  the  Art  in  regular  progression  from  the 
commencement  of  the  first  to  the  conclusion  of  the  seventh 
degree,  according  to  the  plan  here  laid  down,  will  have 
amassed  an  ample  store  of  useful  learning;  and  must  reflect 
with  pleasure  on  the  good  effects  of  his  past  diligence  and 
attention  ;  while,  by  applying  the  whole  to  the  general  ad- 
vantage of  society,  he  will  observe  method  in  the  proper 
distribution  of  what  he  has  acquired,  secure  to  himself  the 
veneration  of  Masons,  and  the  approbation  of  all  good  men. 


THE  ORDER 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


This  Order,  when  conferred  with  solemn  ceremony,  as  in 
Ohio  and  Kentucky,  is  truly  grand  and  imposing ;  but,  in 
general,  it  is  only  communicated  in  a  convocation  of  three  or 
more  Past  High  Priests,  and  with  but  little  ceremony.  This 
is  in  accordance  with  a  common  practice  in  the  Ancient  and 
Accepted  Rite,  from  which  the  Order  was  chiefly  borrowed. 

The  officers  of  a  Council,  independent  of  the  Tyler,  are, 
President,  Vice  President,  Chaplain,  Treasurer,  Recorder  t 
Master  of   Ceremonies,    Conductor,  Herald,   and  Steward. 


(139) 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD, 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

OBSERVATIONS  ON   THE    ORDER   OF   HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

This  Order  appertains  to  the  office  of  High  Priest  of  a 
Royal  Arch  Chapter,  and  no  one  can  be  legally  entitled  to 
receive  it  until  he  has  been  elected  to  sustain  that  office  in 
some  regular  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  made  use  of  during 
the  ceremonies  appertaining  to  this  Order,  viz. : 

And  they  took  Lot,  Abram's  brother's  son,  who  dwelt  in 
Sodom,  and  his  goods,  and  departed.  And  there  came  one 
that  had  escaped,  and  told  Abram  the  Hebrew ;  for  he  dwelt 
in  the  plain  of  Mamre  the  Amorite,  brother  of  Eschol,  and 
brother  of  Aner :  and  these  were  confederate  with  Abram. 
And  when  Abram  heard  that  his  brother  was  taken  captive, 
he  armed  his  trained  servants,  born  in  his  own  house,  three 
hundred  and  eighteen,  and  pursued  them  unto  Dan.  And  he 
divided  himself  against  them,  he  and  his  servants,  by  night, 
and  smote  them,  and  pursued  them  unto  Hobah,  which  is  on 
the  left  hand  of  Damascus.  And  he  brought  back  all  the 
goods,  and  also  brought  again  his  brother  Lot,  and  his  goods, 
and  the  women  also,  and  the  people.  And  the  king  of  Sodom 
went  out  to  meet  him  (after  his  return  from  the  slaughter 
of  Chedorlaomer,  and  of  the  kings  that  were  with  him,)  at  the 
valley  of  Shevah,  which  is  the  king's  dale.  And  Melchise- 
dek,  king  of  Salem,  brought  forth  bread  and  wine :  and  he 
was  the  priest  of  the  most  high  God.  And  he  blessed  him,  and 
said,  Blessed  be  Abram  of  the  most  high  Cod,  possessor  of 
heaven  and  earth :  and  blessed  be  the  most  high  Cod,  which 
hath  delivered  thine  enemies  into  thy  hand.     And  he  gave 

(141) 


142  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 

him  tithes  of  all.  And  the  king  of  Sodom  said  unto  Abram, 
Give  me  the  persons,  and  take  the  goods  to  thyself.  And 
Abram  said  to  the  king  of  Sodom,  I  have  lifted  up  mine  hand 
unto  the  Lord,  the  most  high  God,  the  possessor  of  heaven  and 
earth,  that  I  will  not  take  from  a  thread  even  to  a  shoe-latchet, 
and  that  I  will  not  take  any  thing  that  is  thine,  lest  thou 
shouldest  say,  I  have  made  Abram  rich :  Save  only  that 
which  the  young  men  have  eaten,  and  the  portion  of  the  men 
which  went  with  me,  Aner,  Eschol,  and  Mamre;  let  them 
take  their  portion. —  Genesis  xiv  :  12-24. 

And  the  Lord  spake  unto  Moses,  saying,  "  Speak  unto 
Aaron,  and  unto  his  sons,  saying,  On  this  wise  ye  shall  bless 
the  children  of  Israel,  saying  unto  them,  The  Lord  bless  thee, 
and  keep  thee  ;  the  Lord  make  his  face  shine  upon  thee,  and 
be  gracious  unto  thee ;  the  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon 
thee,  and  give  thee  peace. — Numbers  vi :  22-26. 

For  this  Melchisedek,  king  of  Salem,  priest  of  the  most 
high  God,  who  met  Abraham  returning  from  the  slaughter  of 
the  kings,  and  blessed  him  ;  to  whom  also  Abraham  gave  a 
tenth  part  of  all ;  (first  being,  by  interpretation,  King  of 
Righteousness,  and  after  that  also  King  of  Salem,  which  is, 
King  of  Peace  ;  without  father,  without  mother,  without  de- 
scent, having  neither  beginning  of  days  nor  end  of  life,  but 
made  like  unto  the  Son  of  God) ;  abideth  a  priest  continu- 
ally. Now  consider  how  great  this  man  was,  unto  whom 
even  the  patriarch  Abraham  gave  the  tenth  of  the  spoils. 
And  verily  they  that  are  of  the  sons  of  Levi,  who  receive  the 
office  of  the  priesthood,  have  a  commandment  to  take  tithes 
of  the  people  according  to  the  law,  that  is,  of  their  brethren, 
though  they  come  out  of  the  loins  of  Abraham. — Heb.  vii: 
1-5. 

For  he  testifieth,  Thou  art  a  priest  forever,  after  the  order 
of  Melchisedek. 

And  inasmuch  as  not  without  an  oath  he  was  made  priest. 

For  those  priests  [under  the  Levitical  law~\  were  made  with- 
out an  oath ;  but  this  with  an  oath,  by  him  that  said  unto 
him,  The  Lord  sware,  and  will  not  repent,  Thou  art  a  Priest 
forever,  after  the  order  of  Melchisedek. — Heb.  vii :  17-21. 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD.  143 

CEREMONIES  AND  CHARGES  UPON  CONSTITUTING  AND  DEDI- 
CATING A  ROYAL  ARCH  CHAPTER  AND  INSTALLING  ITS 
OFFICERS.1 

I.  The  Grand  officers  will  meet  at  a  convenient  place,  and 
open. 

II.  The  subordinate  Chapter  will  meet  in  the  outer  courts 
of  their  hall,  and  form  an  avenue  for  the  reception  of  the 
Grand  officers. 

III.  When  formed,  they  will  dispatch  a  committee  to  the 
place  where  the  Grand  officers  are  assembled,  to  inform  the 
Grand  Marshal  that  the  chapter  is  prepared  to  receive  them ; 
the  Grand  Marshal  will  announce  the  same  to  the  Grand 
officers,  and  introduce  the  Committee. 

IV.  The  Grand  officers  will  move  in  procession,  conducted 
by  the  Committee,  to  the  hall  of  the  Chapter. 

When  the  Grand  High  Priest  enters,  the  Grand  Chapter 
will  give  the  Grand  Honors. 

V.  When  the  Grand  officers  have  passed  through  the 
avenue  they  countermarch  in  the  rear  of  the  left  hand  line 
and  face  to  the  left.  In  the  meantime  the  Chapter  will  form 
rank  entire  and  face  to  the  front.  The  officers  of  the  Chapter 
then  file  off  and  form  a  front  rank,  two  paces  in  advance  of 
their  members. 

VI.  The  Grand  Secretary  will  then  call  over  the  names 
of  the  officers  elect;  and  the  Grand  High  Priest  will  ask 
whether  they  accept  their  respective  offices.  If  they  answer 
in  the  affirmative,  he  then  asks  the  members  whether  they 
remain  satisfied  with  their  choice.  If  they  answer  in  the 
affirmative,  he  directs  their  officers  to  approach  the  sacred 
volume,  and  become  qualified  for  installation,  according  to 
ancient  usage  and  custom. 

VII.  The  Grand  Marshal  will  then  form  the  whole  in  pro- 
cession, and  they  will  march  through  the  vails  into  the  inner 
apartment,  where  they  will  surround  the  altar,  which  is  previ- 
ously furnished  and  prepared  in  ample  form  for  the  occasion. 

VIII.  All  present  will  then  kneel,  and  the  following  prayer 
will  be  recited : 

1  In  the  original  editions  there  is  a  historical  account  of  Royal  Arch 
Masonry  of  twenty-five  pages  inserted  here,  which  seems  to  us  unsuited 
to  the  place,  and  unnecessarily  cumbersome  to  the  volume.  It  is  there- 
fore omitted. 


144  HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

PRAYER. 

"Almighty  and  Supreme  High  Priest  of  heaven  and  earth! 
Who  is  there  in  heaven  but  thee,  and  who  upon  earth  can 
stand  in  competition  with  thee?  Thy  Omniscient  mind 
brings  all  things  in  review,  past,  present,  and  to  come  :  thine 
Omnipotent  arm  directs  the  movements  of  the  vast  creation; 
thine  Omnipresent  eye  pervades  the  secret  recesses  of  every 
heart ;  thy  boundless  beneficence  supplies  us  with  every  com- 
fort and  enjoyment;  and  thine  unspeakable  perfections  and 
glory  surpass  the  understandings  of  the  children  of  men  ! 
Our  Father,  who  art  in  heaven,  we  invoke  thy  benediction 
upon  the  purposes  of  our  present  assembly.  Let  this  Chapter 
be  established  to  thine  honor:  let  its  officers  be  endowed  with 
wisdom  to  discern,  and  fidelity  to  pursue,  its  truest  interests; 
let  its  members  be  ever  mindful  of  the  duty  they  owe  to  their 
God;  the  obedience  they  owe  to  their  superiors;  the  love  they 
owe  to  their  equals,  and  the  good-will  they  owe  to  all  man- 
kind. Let  this  Chapter  be  consecrated  to  thy  glory,  and  its 
members  ever  exemplify  their  love  to  God  by  their  benefi- 
cence to  man.     Glory  be  to  God  on  high/' 

Response. — "  Amen.     JSo  mote  it  be." 

All  the  Companions  except  the  High  Priests  2nd  Past  High 
Priests,  are  then  desired  to  withdraw,  while  the  new  High 
Priest  is  solemnly  bound  to  the  performance  of  his  duties; 
and  after  the  performance  of  other  necessary  ceremonies,  not 
proper  to  be  written,  they  are  permitted  to  return. 

IX.  The  whole  then  repair  to  their  appropriate  stations.1 

X.  An  Anthem  or  Ode  is  to  be  performed. 

XI.  An  Oration  or  Address  is  to  be  delivered. 

XII.  An  Ode  or  piece  of  Music. 

[XIII.  The  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest  then  rises  and 
informs  the  Grand  High  Priest,  that  "  a  number  of  Com- 
panions, duly  instructed  in  the  sublime  mysteries,  being 
desirous  of  promoting  the  honor,  and  propagating  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Art,  have  applied  to  the  Grand  Chapter  for  a 
warrant  to  constitute  a  new  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons, 
which,  having  obtained,  they  are  now  assembled  for  the  pur- 

1  Those  paragraphs  which  are  inclosed  within  brackets  apply  ex- 
clusively to  cases  where  new  Chapters  are  constituted,  and  their  officers 
installed  for  the  first  time.  The  rest  apply  equally  to  such  cases,  and 
to  annual  installations. —  Webb. 


HIGH   PRIESTHOOD.  145 

pose  of  being  constituted,  and  having  their  officers  installed 
in  due  and  ancient  form."] 

[XIY.  The  Grand  Master  will  then  form  the  officers  and 
members  of  the  new  Chapter  in  front  of  the  Grand  officers ; 
after  which,  the  Grand  High  Priest  directs  the  Grand  Secre- 
tary to  read  the  warrant.] 

[XV.  The  Grand  High  Priest  then  rises  and  says :  "  By 
virtue  of  the  high  powers  in  me  vested,  I  do  form  you,  my 
respected  Companions,  into  a  regular  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch 
Masons.  From  henceforth  you  are  authorized  and  empowered 
to  open  and  hold  a  Lodge  of  Mark  Masters,  Past  Masters,  and 
Most  Excellent  Masters,  and  a  Chapter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  ; 
and  to  do  and  perform  all  such  things  as  thereunto  may 
appertain;  conforming,  in  all  your  doings,  to  the  General 
Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  the  general  regulations 
of  the  State  Grand  Chapter.  And  may  the  God  of  your 
fathers  be  with  you,  guide  and  direct  you  in  all  your  doings."] 

[XVI.  The  Public  Grand  Honors  will  then  be  given  by 
the  officers  and  members  of  the  new  Chapter  while  passing 
in  review  in  front  of  the  Grand  officers.] 

[XVII.  The  furniture,  clothing,  jewels,  implements,  uten- 
sils, etc.,  belonging  to  the  Chapter  (having  been  previously 
placed  in  the  center,  in  front  of  the  Grand  officers,  covered), 
are  now  uncovered,  and  the  new  Chapter  is  dedicated  in  due 
and  ancient  form,  as  is  well  described  in  the  Most  Excellent 
Master's  Degiee.] 

INSTALLATION. 

XVIII.  The  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest  will  then  present 
the  first  officer  of  the  new  Chapter  to  the  Grand  High  Priest, 
saying, 

"Most  Excellent  Grand  High  Priest: — I  present  you 

my  worthy  Companion ,  nominated  in  the  warrant, 

to  be  installed  High  Priest  of  this  new  Chapter.  I  find  him 
to  be  skillful  in  the  royal  Art,  and  attentive  to  the  moral 
precepts  of  our  forefathers,  and  have,  therefore,  no  doubt  but 
he  will  discharge  the  duties  of  his  office  with  fidelity." 

The  Grand  High  Priest  then  addresses  him  as  follows: 

"Most  Excellent  Companion: — I  feel  much  satisfaction 
in  performing  my  duty  on  the  present  occasion,  by  installing 
you  into  the  office  of  High  Priest  of  this  new  Chapter.     It 
13 


146  HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

is  an  office  highly  honorable  to  all  those 
who  diligently  perform  the  important  du- 
ties annexed  to  it.  Your  reputed  Masonic 
knowledge,  however,  precludes  the  neces- 
sity of  a  particular  enumeration  of  those 
duties.  I  shall,  therefore,  only  observe,  that 
by  a  frequent  recurrence  to  the  Constitution 
and  General  Regulations,  and  constant  practice  of  the  several 
sublime  lectures  and  charges,  you  will  be  -best  able  to  fulfill 
them ;  and  I  am  confident  that  the  Companions  who  are 
chosen  to  preside  with  you,  will  give  strength  to  your  en- 
deavors, and  support  your  exertions.  I  shall  now  propose 
certain  questions  to  you,  relative  to  the  duties  of  your  office, 
and  to  which  I  must  request  your  unequivocal  answer: 

"  1.  Do  you  solemnly  promise  that  you  will  redouble  your 
endeavors  to  correct  the  vices,  purify  the  morals,  and  promote 
the  happiness  of  those  of  your  Companions,  who  have  attained 
this  sublime  degree? 

"  2.  That  you  will  never  suffer  your  Chapter  to  be  opened, 
unless  there  be  present  nine  regular  Royal  Arch  Masons?' 

"  3.  That  you  will  never  suffer  either  more  or  less  than 
three  brethren  to  be  exalted  in  your  Chapter  at  one  and  th* 
same  time  ?' 

"  4.  That  you  will  not  exalt  any  one  to  this  degree,  who 
has  not  shown  a  charitable  and  humane  disposition ;  or  whc 
has  not  made  a  considerable  proficiency  in  the  foregoing 
degrees  ? 

"  5.  That  you  will  promote  the  general  good  of  our  Order, 
and,  on  all  proper  occasions,  be  ready  to  give  and  receive 
instructions,  and  particularly  from  the  General  and  State 
Grand  officers? 

u  6.  That,  to  the  utmost  of  your  power,  you  will  preserve 
the  solemnities  of  our  ceremonies,  and  behave  in  open  Chap- 
ter, with  the  most  profound  respect  and  reverence,  as  an 
example  to  your  Companions? 

"  7.  That  you  will  not  acknowledge  or  have  intercourse 
with  any  Chapter  that  does  not  work  under  a  constitutional 
warrant  or  dispensation? 

1  This  rule,  in  practice,  is  relaxed,  and  only  technically  observed  by 
admitting  one  and  sometimes  two  Companions  as  substitutes,  wher« 
the  necessity  of  the  case  seems  to  demand  it. 


HIGH   PRIESTHOOD.  147 

"  8.  That  you  will  not  admit  any  visitor  into  your  Chapter 
who  has  not  been  exalted  in  a  Chapter  legally  constituted! 
without  his  being  first  formally  healed? 

"  9  That  you  will  observe  and  support  such  by-laws  as 
may  be  made  by  your  Chapter,  in  conformity  to  the  General 
Grand  Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  the  general  regulations 
ot  the  Grand  Chapter  ? 

"  10.  That  you  pay  due  respect  and  obedience  to  the  instruc- 
tions of  the  General  and  -State  Grand  officers,  particularly 
relating  to  the  several  lectures  and  charges,  and  will  resign  the 
Chair  to  them,  severally,  when  they  may  visit  your  Chapter? 
p  i  *  v  ny°U  W  suPP°rt  and  observe  the  General  Grand 
Royal  Arch  Constitution,  and  the  general  regulations  of  the 
Grand  Royal  Arch  Chapter,  under  whose  authority  you  act? 
Do  you  submit  to  all  these  things,  and  do  you  promise  to 
observe  and  practice  them  faithfully  ?" 

These^  questions  being  answered  in  the  affirmative,  the 
Companions  all  kneel  and  the  Grand  Chaplain  repeats  the 
following,  or  some  other  suitable  prayer : 

"Most  Holy  and  glorious  Lord  God,  the  Great  High  Priest 
of  heaven  and  earth!  we  approach  thee  with  reverence,  and 
implore  thy  blessings  on  the  Companion  appointed  to  preside 
oyer  this  new  assembly,  and  now  prostrate  before  thee;  fill 
his  heart  with  fear  that  his- tongue  and  actions  may  pro- 
nounce thy  glory.  Make  him  steadfast  in  thy  service /g^ant 
him  firmness  of  mind;  animate  his  heart,  and  strengthen  his 
endeavors;  may  he  teach  thy  judgments  and  thy  kws:  and 
may  the  incense  he  shall  put  before  thee,  upontfune  'alter, 
prove  an  acceptable  sacrifice  unto  thee.  Bless  him,  0  Lord 
and  bless  the  work  of  his  hands.  Accept  us,  in  mercy;  hear 
thou  from  heaven,  thy  dwelling-place,  and  forgive  our  trans- 

EK/'S1  be  t0  God  the  Father:  "  *  ™ in  ^ 

Response. — "  So  mote  it  be." 

XIX  The  Grand  High  Priest  will  then  cause  the  High 
Priest  eect  to  be  invested  with  his  clothing,  badges  etc  • 
after  which  he  will  address  him  as  follows:  ' 

"  Companion  :-In  consequence  of  your  cheerful  acquies- 
cence with  the  charges  which  you  have  heard  recited,  you  are 
qualified  for  installation  as   the   High  Priest  of  this  Royal 


148  HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

Arch  Chapter;  and  it  is  incumbent  upon  me,  upon  this 
occasion,  to  point  out  some  of  the  particulars  appertaining 
to  your  office,  duty  and  dignity." 

All  legally  constituted  bodies  of  Royal  Arch  Masons  are 
called  Chapters;  as  regular  bodies  of  Masons  of  all  other 
degrees  are  called  Lodges.  Every  Chapter  ought  to  assemble 
for  work  at  least  once  in  every  three  months,  and  must 
consist  of  a  High  Priest,  King,  Scribe,  Captain  of  the  Host, 
Principal  Sojourner,  Royal  Arch  Chaplain,  Three  Masters  of 
the  Vails,  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  as  many  members  as  may 
be  found  convenient  for  working  to  advantage.  The  officers 
of  the  Chapter  officiate  in  the  Lodges  holden  for  conferring 
the  preparatory  degrees  according  to  rank,  as  follows : 

The  High  Priest  as  Master. 

The  King  as  Senior  Warden. 

The  Scribe  as  Junior  Warden. 

The  Captain  of  the  Host  as  Marshal,  or  Master  of  Cere- 
monies. 

The  Principal  Sojourner  as  Senior  Deacon. 

The  Royal  Arch  Captain  as  Junior  Deacon. 

The  Master  of  the  First  Vail  as  Junior  Overseer. 

The  Master  of  the  Second  Vail  as  Senior  Overseer. 

The  Master  of  the  Third  Vail  as  Master  Overseer. 

The  Secretary,  Treasurer,  and  Tyler  as  officers  of  corres- 
ponding rank. 

The  High  Priest  of  every  Chapter  has  it  in  special  charge 
to  see  that  the  By-Laws  of  this  Chapter,  as  well  as  the  Grand 
Royal  Arch  Constitution  and  the  Regulations  of  the  Grand 
Chapter,  are  well  observed;  that  all  the  officers  of  his  Chapter 
perform  the  duties  of  their  respective  offices  faithfully,  and  are 
examples  of  diligence  and  industry  to  their  companions  ;  that 
true  and  accurate  records  of  all  the  proceedings  of  the  Chapter 
are  kept  by  the  Secretary;  that  the  Treasurer  keeps  and  ren- 
ders exact  and  just  accounts  of  all  the  moneys  and  other 
property  belonging  to  the  Chapter;  that  the  regular  returns 
be  made  annually  to  the  Grand  Chapter;  and  that  the  annual 
dues  to  the  Grand  Chapter  be  regularly  and  punctually  paid. 
He  has  the  right  and  authority  of  calling  his  Chapter  together 
at  pleasure  upon  any  emergency  or  occurrence  which,  in  his 
judgment,  may  require  their  meeting.  It  is  his  privilege 
and  duty,  together  with  the  King  and  Scribe,  to  attend  the 
meetings  of  the  Grand  Chapter,  either  in  person  or  by  proxy  j 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD.  14& 

and  the  well-being  of  the  institution  requires  that  his  duty 
should  on  no  occasion  be  omitted. " 

"  The  office  of  High  Priest  is  a  station  highly  honorable  to 
all  those  who  diligently  perform  the  important  duties  an- 
nexed to  it.  By  a  frequent  recurrence  to  the  Constitution 
and  general  regulations,  and  a  constant  practice  of  the  several 
sublime  lectures  and  charges,  you  will  be  best  enabled  to 
fulfill  those  duties;  and  I  am  confident  that  the  Companions, 
who  are  chosen  to  preside  with  you,  will  give  strength  to 
your  endeavors,  and  support  to  your  exertions. 

"  Let  the  miter,  with  which  you  are  invested,  remind  you 
of  the  dignity  of  the  office  you  sustain,  and  its  inscription 
impress  upon  your  mind  a  sense  of  your  dependence  upon 
God;  that  perfection  is  not  given  unto  man  upon  earth,  and 
that  perfect  holiness  belong eth  alone  unto  the  Lord, 

"  The  breastplate  with  which  you  are  decorated,  in  imita- 
tion of  that  upon  which  were  engraven  the  names  of  the 
twelve  tribes,  and  worn  by  the  High  Priest  of  Israel,  is  to 
teach  you  that  you  are  always  to  bear  in  mind  your  responsi- 
bility to  the  laws  and  ordinances  of  the  institution,  and  that 
the  honor  and  interests  of  your  Chapter  and  its  members, 
should  be  always  near  your  heart. 

"The  various  colors  of  the  Robes  you  wear,  are  emblemati- 
cal of  every  grace  and  virtue  which  can  adorn  and  beautify 
the  human  mind;  each  of  which  will  be  briefly  illustrated  iu 
the  course  of  the  charges  to  be  delivered  to  your  subordinate 
officers. 

"You  will  now  take  charge  of  your  officers,  standing  upon 
their  right,  and  present  them,  severally  in  succession,  to  the 
Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  by  whom  they  will  be  presented 
to  me  for  installation." 

XX.  The  High  Priest  of  the  Chapter  will  then  present 
his  second  officer  to  the  Deputy  Grand  High  Priest,  who  will 
present  him  to  the  Grand  High  Priest,  in  the  words  of  the 
Constitution.  The  Grand  High  Priest  will  ask  him  whether 
he  has  attended  to  the  Ancient  Charges  and  Regulations  before 
recited  to  his  superior  officer;  if  he  answers  in  the  affirma- 
tive, he  is  asked  whether  he  fully  and  freely  assents  to  the 
same;  if  he  answers  in  the  affirmative,  the  Grand  High 
Priest  directs  his  Deputy  to  invest  him  with  his  clothing, 
etc.,  and  then  addresses  him  as  follows,  viz : 


150  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 


CHARGE  TO    THE  SECOND  OFFICER  OR  KING. 

"Companion: — The  important  station  to 
which  you  are  elected  in  this  Chapter,  re- 
quires from  you  exemplary  conduct ;  its 
duties  demand  your  most  assiduous  atten- 
tion ;  you  are  to  second  and  support  your 
chief  in  all  the  requirements  of  his  office; 
and  should  casualties  at  any  time  prevent 
his  attendance,  you  are  to  succeed  him  in  the  performance 
of  his  duties.  Your  badge  (the  Level,  surmounted  by  a 
Crown)  should  remind  you,  that  although  you  are  the  repre- 
sentative of  a  king,  and  exalted  by  office  above  your  com- 
panions, yet  that  you  remain  upon  a  level  with  them,  as 
respects  your  duty  to  God,  to  your  neighbor,  and  to  your- 
self; that  you  are  equally  bound  with  them  to  be  obedient 
to  the  laws  and  ordinances  of  the  institution,  to  be  charita- 
ble, humane  and  just,  and  to  seek  every  occasion  of  doing 
good. 

"Your  office  teaches  a  striking  lesson  of  humility.  The 
institutions  of  political  society  teach  us  to  consider  the  king 
as  the  chief  of  created  beings,  and  that  the  first  duty  of  his 
subjects  is  to  obey  his  mandates;  but  the  institutions  of  our 
sublime  degrees,  by  placing  the  King  in  a  situation  subordi- 
nate to  the  High  Priest,  teach  us  that  our  duty  to  God  is 
paramount  to  all  other  duties,  and  should  ever  claim  the 
priority  of  our  obedience  to  man;  and  that,  however  strongly 
we  may  be  bound  to  obey  the  laws  of  civil  society,  yet  that 
those  laws,  to  be  just,  should  never  intermeddle  with  matters 
of  conscience,  nor  dictate  articles  of  faith. 

"  The  Scarlet  Kobe,  an  emblem  of  imperial  dignity,  should 
remind  you  of  the  paternal  concern  you  should  ever  feel  for 
the  welfare  of  your  Chapter,  and  the  ardent  zeal  with  which 
you  should  endeavor  to  promote  its  prosperity. 

"In  presenting  to  you  the  Crown,  which  is  an  emblem  of 
royalty,  I  would  remind  you  that,  to  reign  sovereign  in  the 
hearts  and  affections  of  men,  must  be  far  more  grateful  to  a 
generous  and  benevolent  mind,  than  to  rule  over  their  lives 
and  fortunes ;  and  that  to  enable  you  to  enjoy  this  pre- 
eminence with  honor  and  satisfaction,  you  must  subject  your 
own  passions  and  prejudices  to  the  dominion  of  reason  and 
charity. 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD.  151 

11  You  are  entitled  to  the  second  seat  in  the  council  of  youi 
companions.  Let  the  bright  example  of  your  illustrious  pre- 
decessor in  the  Grand  Council  at  Jerusalem,  stimulate  you  to 
the  faithful  discharge  of  your  duties ;  and  when  the  King  of 
kings  shall  summon  you  into  his  immediate  presence,  from 
his  hand  may  you  receive  a  crown  of  glory ■,  which  shall  never 
fade  away." 

XXI.  The  King  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers,  and 
the  Scribe  will  be  presented  in  the  manner  before  mentioned. 
After  his  investiture,  the  Grand  High  Priest  will  address  him 
as  follows,  viz : 

CHARGE   TO   THE   THIRD   OFFICER,    OR   SCRIBE. 

"  Companion  : — The  office  of  Scribe,  to 
which  you  are  elected,  is  very  important  and 
respectable.  In  the  absence  of  your  superior 
officers,  you  are  bound  to  succeed  them  and 
perform  their  duties.  The  purposes  of  the 
institution  ought  never  to  suffer  for  want  of 
intelligence  in  its  proper  officers  :  you  will, 
therefore,  perceive  the  necessity  there  is  of  your  possessing 
such  qualifications  as  will  enable  you  to  accomplish  those 
duties  which  are  incumbent  upon  you,  in  your  appropriate 
station,  as  well  as  those  which  may  occasionally  devolve  on 
you  by  the  absence  of  your  superiors. 

"  The  Purple  Robe,  with  which  you  are  invested,  is  an 
emblem  of  union  and  is  calculated  to  remind  you  that  the 
harmony  and  unanimity  of  the  Chapter  should  be  your  constant 
aim  ;  and  to  this  end  you  are  studiously  to  avoid  all  occasions 
of  giving  offense,  or  countenancing  anything  that  may  create 
divisions  or  dissensions.  You  are,  by  all  the  means  in  your 
power,  to  endeavor  to  establish  a  permanent  union  and  good 
understanding  among  all  orders  and  degrees  of  Masonry; 
and,  as  the  glorious  sun,  at  its  meridian  hight,  dispels  the 
mist  and  clouds  which  obscure  the  horizon,  so  may  your 
exertions  tend  to  dissipate  the  gloom  of  jealousy  and  discord 
whenever  they  may  appear. 

"  Your  badge  (a  Plumb-rule,  surmounted  by  the  Turban)  is 
an  emblem  of  rectitude  and  vigilance;  and  while  you  stand 
as  a  watchman  upon  the  tower,  to  guard  your  companions 
against  the  approach  of  those  enemies  of  human  felicity,  in* 


152  HIGH    PRIESTHOOD. 

temperance  and  excess,  let  this  faithful  monitor  ever  remind 
you  to  walk  uprightly  in  your  station ;  admonishing  and 
animating  your  companions  to  fidelity  and  industry  while  at 
labor,  and  to  temperance  and  moderation  while  at  refresh- 
ment: and  when  the  great  Watchman  of  Israel,  whose  eye 
never  slumbers  nor  sleeps,  shall  relieve  you  from  your  post 
on  earth,  may  he  permit  you,  in  heaven,  to  participate  in  that 
*bod  and  refreshment  which  is 

'Such  as  the  saints  in  glory  love, 
And  such  as  angels  eat.' " 

XXII.  The  Scribe  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers, 
and  the  next  officer  be  presented  as  before. 

CHARGE  TO    THE    FOURTH    OFFICER,  OR   CAPTAIN    OF   THE  HOST. 

"  Companion  : — The  office  with  which  you 
are  intrusted  is  of  high  importance,  and  de- 
mands your  most  zealous  consideration.  The 
preservation  of  the  most  essential  traits  of 
our  ancient  customs,  usages  and  landmarks, 
are  within  your  province  ;  and  it  is  indispen- 
sably necessary  that  the  part  assigned  to  you, 
in  the  immediate  practice  of  our  rites  and  ceremonies,  should 
be  perfectly  understood  and  correctly  administered.  He  that 
brings  the  blind  by  a  way  that  they  knew  not,  and  leads  them 
in  paths  that  they  have  not  known,  should  always  be  well 
qualified  to  make  darkness  light  before  them,  and  crooked 
things  straight. 

"  Your  office  corresponds  with  that  of  Marshal,  or  Master 
of  Ceremonies.  You  are  to  .superintend  all  processions  of 
your  Chapter,  when  moving  as  a  distinct  body,  either  in  public 
or  private;  and  as  the  world  can  only  judge  of  our  private  dis- 
cipline by  our  public  deportment,  you  will  be  careful  that  the 
utmost  order  and  decorum  be  observed  on  all  such  occasions/' 

XXIII.  He  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers,  and  the 
next  officer  will  be  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE    FIFTH  OFFICER,   OR   PRINCIPAL    SOJOURNER. 

"  Companion  : — The  office  confided  to  you,  though  subor- 
dinate in  degree,  is  equal  in  importance  to  any  in  the  Chapter, 
that  of  your  chief  alone  excepted.     Your  office  corresponds 


HIGH   PRIESTHOOD.  153 

with  that  of  Senior  Deacon,  in  the  prepara- 
tory degree.  Among  the  duties  required  of 
you,  the  preparation  and  introduction  of  can- 
didates are  not  the  least.  As  in  our  inter- 
course with  the  world,  experience  teaches 
that  first  impressions  are  often  the  most 
durable,  and  the  most  difficult  to  eradicate  ; 
bo  it  is  of  great  importance,  in  all  cases,  that  those  impressions 
should  be  correct  and  just;  hence  it  is  essential  that  the 
officer  who  sustains  the  station  assigned  to  you  should  pos- 
sess a  thorough  knowledge  of  his  various  duties;  and  that  he 
should  execute  them  with  a  promptitude  and  propriety  of 
deportment  that  shall  give  them  their  proper  effect. 

"  Your  robe  of  office  is  an  emblem  of  humility,  and  teaches 
that,  in  the  prosecution  of  a  laudable  undertaking,  we  should 
never  decline  taking  any  part  that  may  be  assigned  us,  al- 
though it  may  be  the  most  difficult  or  dangerous. 

"  The  rose-colored  tesselated  border,  adorning  the  robe,  is  an 
■  emblem  of  ardor  and  perseverance,  and  signifies,  that  when 
we  have  engaged  in  a  virtuous  course,  notwithstanding  all 
the  impediments,  hardships  and  trials  we  may  be  destined  to 
encounter,  we  should  endure  them  all  with  fortitude,  and  ar- 
dently persevere  unto  the  end;  resting  assured  of  receiving, 
at  the  termination  of  our  labors,  a  noble  and  glorious  reward. 
The  White  Banner  intrusted  to  your  care  is  emblematical  of 
that  purity  of  life  and  rectitude  of  conduct  which  should  dis- 
tinguish every  one  that  passes  the  white  vail  of  the  sanctuary. 
Your  past  exertions  will  be  considered  as  a  pledge  of  your 
future  assiduity  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  your  duties."' 

XXIV.  He  will  then  retire  to  the  line  of  officers,  and  the 
next  officer  is  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SIXTH  OFFICER,  OR  ROTAL  ARCH  CAPTAIN. 

"  Companion  : — The  well  known  duties  of  your  station 
require  but  little  elucidation.  Your  office,  in  the  preparatory 
degrees,  corresponds  with  that  of  Junior  Deacon}  It  is  your 
particular  province,  conjointly  with  the  Captain  of  the  Host, 
to  attend  the  examination  of  all  visitors,  and  to  take  care  that 
none  are  permitted  to   enter  the  Chapter  but  sucb  as  have 

1  In  this  page,  as  in  a  preceding  page,  it  is  "Senior"  Deacon.  This 
is  opposed  to  theory  and  practice,  and  we  change  it. 


154  HIGH  PRIESTHOOD. 

traveled  the  rugged  path  of  trial,  and  evinced 
their  title  to  our  favor  and  friendship.  You 
will  be  attentive  to  obey  the  commands  of 
your  chief,  and  always  near  at  hand  to  exe- 
cute them. 

"  I  give  it  to  you  strongly  in  charge,  never 
to  suffer  any  one  to  pass  your  post  without 
the  Signet  of  Truth.  I  present  you  the  badge  of  your  office, 
in  expectation  of  your  performing  your  duties  with  intelli- 
gence, assiduity  and  propriety." 

XXV.  He  then  retires,  and  the  three  Grand  Masters  of  the 
Vails  are  presented  together. 

CHARGE    TO    THE    MASTER  OF    THE    THIRD  VAIL. 

"Companion: — I  present  you  with  the 
Scarlet  Banner,  which  is  the  ensign  of  your 
office,  and  with  a  sword  to  protect  and  defend 
the  same.  The  rich  and  beautiful  color  of 
your  banner  is  emblematical  of  fervency  and 
fidelity :  it  is  the  appropriate  color  of  the 
Royal  Arch  degree.  It  admonishes  us  that 
we  should  be  fervent  in  the  exercise  of  our  devotions  to  God, 
and  faithful  in  our  endeavors  to  promote  the  happiness  of 
man." 

CHARGE  TO  THE  MASTER  OF  THE  SECOND  VAIL. 

"  Companion  : — I  invest  you  with  the  Pur- 
ple Banner,  which  is  the  ensign  of  your 
office,  and  arm  you  with  a  sword,  to  enable 
you  to  maintain  its  honor.  The  color  of 
your  banner  is  produced  by  the  combina- 
tion of  two  distinct  colors,  namely,  blue  and 
scarlet  ;"the  former  of  which  is  the  character- 
istic color  of  the  symbolic  or  first  three  degrees  of  Masonry, 
and  the  latter  that  of  the  Royal  Arch  Degree.  It  is  an  em- 
blem of  union,  and  is  the  characteristic  color  of  the  inter- 
mediate degrees.  It  admonishes  us  to  cultivate  and  improve 
that  spirit  of  union  and  harmony,  between  the  brethren  of 
the  symbolic  degrees,  and  the  companions  of  the  sublime 
degrees,  which  should  ever  distinguish  the  members  of  a 
society  founded  upon  the  principles  of  everlasting  kuth  and 
universal  philanthropy." 


HIGH   PRIESTHOOD.  155 


CH4RGE  TO  THE  MASTER  OE  THE  FIRST  VAIL. 

"Companion: — I  invest  you  with  the  Blue 
Banner,  which  is  the  ensign  of  your  office, 
and  a  sword  for  its  defense  and  protection. 
The  color  of  your  banner  is  one  of  the  most 
durable  and  beautiful  in  nature.  It  is  the 
appropriate  color  adopted  and  worn  by  our 
ancient  brethren  of  the  three  symbolic  degrees,  and  is  the 
peculiar  characteristic  of  an  institution  which  has  stood  the 
test  of  ages,  and  which  is  as  much  distinguished  by  the  dura- 
bility of  its  materials  or  principles,  as  by  the  beauty  of  its 
superstructure.  It  is  an  emblem  of  universal  benevolence  ; 
and  instructs  us  that  in  the  mind  of  a  Mason  this  virtue 
should  be  as  expansive  as  the  blue  arch  of  heaven  itself." 

CHARGE  TO  THE  THREE  MASTERS  OE  THE  VAILS,  AS  OVERSEERS. 

"  Companions  : — Those  who  are  placed  as  overseers  of  any 
work  should  be  well  qualified  to  judge  of  its  beauties  and 
deformities,  its  excellencies  and  defects ;  they  should  be 
capable  of  estimating  the  former  and  amending  the  latter. 
This  consideration  should  induce  you  to  cultivate  and  im- 
prove all  those  qualifications  with  which  you  are  already 
endowed,  as  well  as  to  persevere  in  your  endeavors  to  acquire 
those  in  which  you  may  be  in  anywise  deficient.  Let  the 
various  colors  of  the  banners  committed  to  your  charge, 
admonish  you  to  the  exercise  of  the  several  virtues  of  which 
they  are  emblematic ;  and  you  are  to  enjoin  the  practice  of 
those  virtues  upon  all  who  shall  present  themselves,  or  the 
work  of  their  hands  for  your  inspection.  Let  no  work  receive 
your  approbation  but  such  as  is  calculated  to  adorn  and 
strengthen  the  Masonic  edifice.  Be  industrious  and  faithful 
in  practicing  and  disseminating  a  knowledge  of  the  true  and 
perfect  work,  which  alone  can  stand  the  test  of  the  Grand 
Overseer's  square,  in  the  great  day  of  trial  and  retribution. 
Then,  although  every  rod,  should  become  a  serpent,  and  every 
serpent  an  enemy  to  this  institution,  yet  shall  their  utmost 
exertions  to  destroy  its  reputation,  or  sap  its  foundation, 
become  as  impotent  as  the  leprous  hand,  or  as  water  spilled 
upon  the  ground,  which  can  not  be  gathered  up  again." 

XXVI.  They  then  retire,  and  the  Secretary  is  presented. 


156  HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  SECRETARY. 

"Companion  : — I  with  pleasure  invest  you 
with  your  badge  as  Secretary  of  this  Chapter. 
The  qualities  which  should  recommend  a 
Secretary  are,  promptitude  in  issuing  notifi- 
cations and  orders  of  his  superior  officers  ; 
punctuality  in  attending  the  meetings  of  the 
Chapter;  correctness  in  recording  their  pro- 
ceedings; judgment  in  discriminating  between  what  is  proper 
and  what  is  improper  to  be  committed  to  writing;  regularity 
in  making  his  annual  returns  to  the  Grand  Chapter;  integrity 
in  accounting  for  all  moneys  that  may  pass  through  his 
hands;  and  fidelity  in  paying  the  same  over  into  the  hands 
of  the  Treasurer.  The  possession  of  these  good  qualities,  I 
presume,  has  designated  you  a  suitable  candidate  for  this 
important  office;  and  I  can  not  entertain  a  doubt  that  you 
will  discharge  its  duties  beneficially  to  the  Chapter,  and 
honorably  to  yourself.  And  when  you  shall  have  completed 
the  record  of  your  transactions  here  below,  and  finished  the 
term  of  your  probation,  may  you  be  admitted  into  the  celes- 
tial Grand  Chapter  of  saints  and  angels,  and  find  your  name 
recorded  in  the  booh  of  life  eternal"      ^ 

XXVII.  He  then  retires,  and  the  Treasurer  is  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  TREASURER. 

"  Companion  : — You  are  elected  Treasurer 
of  this  Chapter,  and  I  have  the  pleasure  of 
investing  you  with  the  badge  of  your  office. 
The  qualities  which  should  recommend  a 
Treasurer,  are  accuracy  and  fidelity ;  accu- 
racy in  keeping  a  fair  and  minute  account 
of  all  receipts  and  disbursements  ;  fidelity  in 
carefully  preserving  all  the  property  and  funds,  of  the  Chap- 
ter, that  may  be  placed  in  his  hands,  and  rendering  a  just 
account  of  the  same,  whenever  he  is  called  upon  for  that 
purpose.  I  presume  that  your  respect  for  the  institution, 
your  attachment  to  the  interests  of  your  Chapter,  and  your 
regard  for  a  good  name,  which  is  better  than  precious  oint- 
ment, will  prompt  you  to  the  faithful  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  your  office. 

XXVIII.  He  then  retires,  and  the  Stewards  are  presented. 


HIGH   PRIESTHOOD.  157 


CHARGE   TO  THE   STEWARDS. 

"Companions:  —  You  being  elected  Stew- 
ards of  this  Chapter,  I  with  pleasure  invest 
you  with  the  badges  of  your  office.  It  is 
your  province  to  see  that  every  necessary 
preparation  is  made  for  the  convenience  and 
accommodation  of  the  Chapter,  previous  to 
the  time  appointed  for  meeting.  You  are  to 
see  that  the  clothing,  implements  and  furniture  of  each 
degree,  respectively,  are  properly  disposed  and  in  suitable 
array  for  use,  whenever  they  may  be  required,  and  that  they 
are  secured,  and  proper  care  taken  of  them,  when  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Chapter  is  over.  You  are  to  see  that  necessary 
refreshments  are  provided,  and  that  all  your  companions,  and 
particularly  visitors,  are  suitably  accommodated  and  supplied. 
You  are  to  be  frugal  and  prudent  in  your  disbursements  and 
to  be  careful  that  no  extravagance  or  waste  is  committed  in 
your  department :  and  when  you  have  faithfully  fulfilled 
your  stewardship,  here  below,  may  you  receive  from  heaven 
the  happy  greeting  of  '  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  ser- 
vants/ " 

XXIX.  They  then  retire,  and  the  Tyler  is  presented. 

CHARGE  TO  THE  TYLER. 

"  Companion  :  —  You  are  appointed  Tyler 
of  this  Chapter,  and  I  invest  you  with  this 
implement  of  your  office,  As  the  sword  is 
placed  in  the  hands  of  the  Tyler  to  enable 
him  effectually  to  guard  against  the  approach 
of  cowans  and  eavesdroppers,  and  suffer  none 
to  pass  or  repass  but  such  as  are  duly  quali- 
fied ;  so  it  should  morally  serve  as  a  constant  admonition  to 
us  to  set  a  guard  at  the  entrance  of  our  thoughts,  to  place 
a  watch  at  the  door  of  our  lips  ;  to  post  a  sentinel  at  the 
avenue  of  our  actions;  thereby  excluding  every  unqualified 
and  unworthy  thought,  word,  and  deed  ;  and  preserving  con- 
sciences void  of  offense  toward  God  and  toward  man. 

"As  the  first  application  from  visitors  for  admission  into 
the  Chapter  is  generally  made  to  the  Tyler  at  the  door,  your 
station  will  often  present  you  to  the  observation  of  stran- 
gers; it  is,  therefore,  essentially  necessary  that  he  who  sus- 


158  HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

tains  the  office  with  which  you  are  intrusted,  should  De  a 
man  of  good  morals,  steady  habits,  strict  discipline,  temper- 
ate, affable,  and  discreet.  I  trust  that  a  just  regard  for  the 
honor  and  reputation  of  the  institution  will  ever  induce  you 
to  perform,  with  fidelity,  the  trust  reposed  in  you ;  and 
when  the  door  of  this  earthly  tabernacle  shall  be  closed, 
may  you  find  an  abundant  entrance  through  the  gates  into 
the  temple  and  city  of  our  God." 

XXX.  He  will  then  retire,  and  then  follows  an 

ADDRESS   TO   THE   HIGH   PRIEST. 

"  M.  E.  Companion: — Having  been  honored  with  the  free 
suffrages  of  the  members  of  this  Chapter,  you  are  elected  to 
the  most  important  office  which  is  within  their  power  to 
bestow.  This  expression  of  their  esteem  and  respect  should 
draw  from  you  corresponding  sensations  ;  and  your  demeanor 
should  be  such  as  to  repay  the  honor  they  have  so  conspicu- 
ously conferred  upon  you,  by  an  honorable  and  faithful  dis- 
charge of%the  duties  of  your  office. 

"  The  station  you  are  called  to  fill  is  important,  not  only  as 
it  respects  the  correct  practice  of  our  rites  and  ceremonies, 
and  the  internal  economy  of  the  Chapter  over  which  you  pre- 
side; but  the  public  reputation  of  the  institution  will  be 
generally  found  to  rise  or  fall  according  to  the  skill,  fidelity, 
and  discretion  with  which  its  concerns  are  managed,  and  in 
proportion  as  the  characters  and  conduct  of  its  principal 
officers  are  estimable  or  censurable. 

"  You  have  accepted  a  trust,  to  which  is  attached  a  weight 
of  responsibility  that  will  require  all  your  efforts  to  discharge, 
honorably  to  yourself  and  satisfactorily  to  the  Chapter.  You 
are  to  see  that  your  officers  are  capable  and  faithful  in  the 
exercises  of  their  offices.  Should  they  lack  ability,  you  are 
expected  to  supply  their  defects ;  you  are  to  watch  carefully 
the  progress  of  their  performances,  and  to  see  that  the  long- 
established  customs  of  the  institution  suffer  no  derangement 
in  their  hands. 

"  You  are  to  have  a  careful  eye  over  the  general  conduct  of 
the  Chapter;  see  that  due  order  and  subordination  are  ob- 
served on  all  occasions ;  that  the  members  are  properly 
instructed ;  that  due  solemnity  be  observed  in  the  practice 
of  our  rites;  that  no  improper  levity  be  permitted  at  any 


HIGH  PRIESTHOOD.  *  159 

time,  but  more  especially  at  the  introduction  of  strangers 
among  the  workmen.  In  fine,  you  are  to  be  an  example  to 
your  officers  and  members  which  they  need  not  hesitate  to 
follow ;  thus  securing  to  yourself  the  favor  of  heaven  and 
the  applause  of  your  brethren  and  companions." 

ADDRESS   TO    THE    OFFICERS   GENERALLY. 

"Companions  in  Office: — Precept  and  example  should 
ever  advance  with  an  equal  pace.  Those  moral  duties  which 
you  are  required  to  teach  unto  others,  you  should  never  neglect 
to  practice  yourselves. 

"  Do  you  desire  that  the  demeanor  of  your  equals  and 
inferiors  toward  you  should  be  marked  with  deference  and 
respect?  Be  sure  that  you  omit  no  opportunity  of  furnishing 
them  with  examples  in  your  own  conduct  toward  your  supe- 
riors. Do  you  desire  to  obtain  instruction  from  those  who 
are  more  wise  or  better  informed  than  yourselves  ?  Be  sure 
that  you  are  always  ready  to  impart  of  your  knowledge  to 
those  within  your  sphere,  who  stand  in  need  of  and  are 
entitled  to  receive  it.  Do  you  desire  distinction  among  your 
companions?  Be  sure  that  your  claims  to  preferment  are 
founded  upon  superior  attainments;  let  no  ambitious  passion 
be  suffered  to  induce  you  to  envy  or  supplant  a  companion 
who  may  be  considered  as  better  qualified  for  promotion  than 
yourselves;  but  rather  let  a  laudable  emulation  induce  you 
to  strive  to  excel  each  other  in  improvement  and  discipline ; 
ever  remembering,  that  he  who  faithfully  performs  his  duty, 
even  in  a  subordinate  or  private  station,  is  as  justly  entitled 
to  esteem  and  respect,  as  he  who  is  invested  with  supreme 
authority. 

ADDRESS  TO  THE  CHAPTER  AT  LARGE 

"  Companions  : — The  exercise  and  management  of  the  sub- 
lime degrees  of  Masonry  in  your  Chapter  hitherto,  are  so 
highly  appreciated,  and  the  good  reputation  of  the  Chapter  so 
well  established,  that  I  must  presume  these  considerations 
alone,  were  there  no  others  of  greater  magnitude,  would  be 
sufficient  to  induce  you  to  preserve  and  perpetuate  this  valu- 
able and  honorable  character.  But  when  to  this  is  added  the 
pleasure  which  every  philanthropic  heart  must  feel  in  doing 
good,  in  promoting  good  order,  in  diffusing  light,  and  knowl- 


160  HIGH   PRIESTHOOD. 

edge,  in  cultivating  Masonic  and  Christian  charity,  which  are 
the  great  objects  of  this  sublime  institution,  I  can  not  doubt 
that  your  future  conduct,  and  that  of  your  successors,  will  be 
calculated  still  to  increase  the  luster  of  your  justly  esteemed 
reputation. 

"  May  your  Chapter  become  beautiful  as  the  Temple,  peace- 
ful as  the  Ark,  and  sacred  as  its  most  holy  place.  May  your 
oblations  of  piety  and  praise  be  grateful  as  the  Incense  ;  your 
love  warm,  as  its  fame,  and  your  charity  diffusive  as  its  fra- 
grance. May  your  hearts  be  pure  as  the  Altar,  and  your 
conduct  acceptable  as  the  Offering. 

"May  the  exercise  of  your  Charity  be  as  constant  as  the 
returning  wants  of  the  distressed  widow  and  the  helpless 
orphan.  May  the  approbation  of  Heaven  be  your  encourage- 
ment, and  the  testimony  of  a  good  conscience  your  support; 
may  you  be  endowed  with  every  good  and  perfect  gift,  while 
traveling  the  thorny  path  of  life,  and  finally  admitted  within 
the  vail  of  heaven,  to  the  full  enjoyment  of  life  eternal/' 

Amen.     So  mote  it  be. 

XXXI.  The  officers  and  members  of  the  Chapter  will  then 
pass  in  review  in  front  of  the  Grand  officers,  and  pay  them 
the  customary  salutation  as  they  pass. 

XXXII.  The  Grand  Marshal  will  then  make  proclamation 
as   follows,  viz. :    "  In  the  name   of  the  M.  E.  Grand  High 

Priest,  I  do  proclaim  this  Chapter,  by  the  name  of ,  to 

be  regularly  constituted,  and  its  officers  duly  installed." 

XXXIII.  The  officers  of  the  Chapter  will  then  take  their 
stations  upon  the  left  of  the  Grand  officers  respectively,  and 
the  members  will  be  seated  until  the  Grand  officers  retire. 

XXXIV.  The  ceremonies  conclude  with  an  Ode,  or  appro- 
priate piece  of  music. 

XXXV.  When  the  Grand  officers  retire,  the  Chapter  will 
form  an  avenue  for  them  to  pass  through,  and  salute  them 
with  the  Grand  honor's.  They  will  be  attended  as  far  as  the 
door  of  their  apartment,  by  the  committee  who  introduced 
them. 

XXXVI.  The  two  bodies  then  separately  close  their  re- 
spective Chapters. 


THE 


CRYPTIC  DEGREES: 


CONSISTING  0! 


THE  ROYAL  MASTER  AND  SELECT  MASTER^ 


THE  THIED  ORDER  IN  MASONRY. 


The  Cryptic  Degrees  are  conferred  in  a  Body  styled  a 
Council.  The  ballot  is  taken  in  the  Second  or  Select  Masters' 
Degree;  and  the  same  rules  of  balloting  are  observed  as  in 
the  preceding  degrees.  All  discipline  exercised  by  the  Lodge 
or  Chapter,  such  as  suspension  or  expulsion,  is  indorsed  by 
the  Council  without  question  ;  in  addition  to  which,  it  has  a 
discipline  of  its  own  for  offenses  against  its  own  regulations. 

Not  less  than  nine  nor  more  than  twenty-seven  can  open, 
work,  or  close  a  Council.  If  a  larger  number  than  twenty- 
seven  is  present,  they  take  no  part  in  the  proceedings. 

The  whole  system  of  Cryptic  Masonry  is  confined  to  the 
United  States  alone,  and  was  borrowed,  about  the  year  1815, 
from  the  Ancient  and  Accepted  Mite. 

14  (161) 


ROYAL   MASTER 


CHAPTER  XV. 

ROYAL   MASTER'S   DEGREE.1 

This  degree  can  not,  legally,  be  conferred  on  any  but 
Royal  Arch  Masons,  who  have  taken  all  the  preceding 
degrees ;  and  it  is  preparatory  to  that  of  the  Select  Master. 
Although  it  is  short,  yet  it  contains  some  valuable  informa- 
tion, and  is  intimately  connected  with  the  degree  of  Select 
Master.  It  also  enables  us,  with  ease  and  facility,  to  examine 
the  privileges  of  others  to  this  degree ;  while,  at  the  same 
time,  it  proves  ourselves. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture,  etc.,  are  considered  to 
be  appropriate  to  this  degree  : 

And  Solomon  made  all  the  vessels  that  pertained  unto  the 
house  of  the  Lord :  the  altar  of  gold,  and  the  table  of  gold,. 

1  The  Monitor  containing  nothing  relative  to  the  degrees  of  Royal  and 

irt. 
(163  J 


161  ROYAL   MASTER. 

whereupon  the  show-bread  was  ;  and  the  candlesticks  of  pure 
gold  ;  five  on  the  right  side  and  five  on  the  left,  before  the 
oracle  ;  with  the  flowers,  and  the  lamps,  and  the  tongs  of 
gold;  and  the  bowls,  and  the  snuffers,  and  the  basins,  and 
the  spoons,  and  the  censers,  of  pure  gold  ;  and  the  hinges  of 
gold,  both  for  the  doors  of  the  inner  house,  the  most  holy 
place,  and  for  the  doors  of  the  house,  to  wit,  of  the  Temple. 
So  Hiram  made  an  end  of  doing  all  the'  work,  that  he  had 
made  King  Solomon,  for  the  house  of  the  Lord. — 1  Kings  vii : 
'40,  48-50. 

And  behold  I  come  quickly ;  and  my  reward  is  with  me, 
to  give  every  man  according  as  his  work  shall  be.  I  am 
Alpha  and  Omega,  the  beginning  and  the  end,  the  first  and 
the  last.  Blessed  are  they  that  do  his  commandments,  that 
they  may  have  a  right  to  the  tree  of  life,  and  may  enter  in 
through  the  gates  of  the  city. — Rev.  xxii  :   12-14. 

And  he  set  the  cherubims  within  the  inner  house  ;  and  they 
stretched  forth  the  wings  of  the  cherubims,  so  that  the  wing 
of  the  one  touched  the  one  wall,  and  the  wing  of  the  other 
cherub  touched  the  other  wall ;  and  their  wings  touched  one 
another  in  the  midst  of  the  house. — 1  Kings  vi :  27. 

The  Ark,  called  the  glory  of  Israel,  which  was  seated  in  the 
middle  of  the  holy  place,  under  the  wings  of  the  cherubim, 
was  a  small  chest,  or  coffer,  three  feet  nine  inches  long,  two 
feet  three  inches  wide,  and  three  feet  three  inches  high.  It 
was  made  of  wood,  excepting  only  the  mercy  seat,  but  over- 
laid with  gold  both  inside  and  out.  It  had  a  ledge  of  gold 
surrounding  it  at  the  top,  into  which  the  cover,  called  the 
Mercy  Seat,  was  let  in.  The  mercy  seat  was  of  solid  gold,  the 
thickness  of  a  hand's  breadth  :  at  the  two  ends  of  it  were  two 
cherubims,  looking  inward,  toward  each  other,  with  their 
wings  expanded  ;  which  embracing  the  whole  circumference 
of  the  mercy  seat,  they  met  on  each  side,  in  the  middle  ;  all 
of  which,  the  Rabbins  say,  was  made  out  of  the  same  mass, 
without  any  soldering  of  parts. 

Here  the  Shekinah,  or  Divine  Presence,  rested,  and  was 
visible  in  the  appearance  of  a  cloud  over  it.  From  hence  the 
Bathkoll  issued,  and  gave  answers  when  God  was  consulted. 
And  hence  it  is,  that  God  is  said,  in  the  Scripture,  to  dwell 
between  the  cherubim ;  that  is,  between  the  cherubim  on  the 
mercy  seat,  because  there  was  the  seat  or  throne  of  the  visible 
appearance  of  his  glory  among  them. 


SELECT  MASTER, 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

SELECT    MASTER'S    DEGREE. 


This  degree  is  the  summit  and  perfection  of  ancient 
Masonry ;  and  without  which  the  history  of  the  Royal  Arch 
degree  can  not  be  complete.  It  rationally  accounts  for  the 
concealment,  and  preservation  of  those  essentials  of  the  Craftr 
which  were,  brought  to  light  at  the  erection  of  the  second 
Temple,  and  which  lay  concealed  from  the  Masonic  eye  four 
hundred  and  seventy  years. 

Many  particulars  relative  to  those  few  who,  for  their 
superior  skill,  were  selected  to  complete  an  important  part 
of  King  Solomon's  Temple,  are  explained. 

And  here,  too,  is  exemplified  an  instance  of  justice  and 
mercy,  by  our  ancient  patron,  toward  one  of  the  Craft,  who 
was  led  to  disobey  his  commands,  by  an  over  zealous  attach- 
ment for  the  institution.  It  ends  with  a  description  of  a 
particular  circumstance,  which  characterizes  the  degree. 

The  following  Psalm  is  read  at  opening: 

His  foundation  is  in  the  holy  mountains.  The  Lord 
loveth  the  gates  of  Zion  more  than  all  the  dwellings  of  Jacob'. 
Glorious  things  are  spoken  of  thee,  0  city  of  God.  Selah. 
I  will  make  mention  of  Rahab  and  Babylon,  to  them  that 
know  me.  Behold  Philistia,  and  Tyre,  with  Ethiopia ;  this 
man  was  born  there.  And  of  Zion  it  shall  be  said,  This 
and  that  man  was  born  in  her :  and  the  Highest  himself  shall 
establish  her.  The  Lord  shall  count,  when  he  writeth  up 
the  people,  that  this  man  was  born  there.  Selah.  As  well 
the  singers,  as  the  players  on  instruments,  shall  be  there; 
all  my  springs  are  in  thee. — Psalm  lxxxvii, 

(165) 


166  SELECT   MASTER. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  introduced  and 
explained: 

So  King  Solomon  was  king  over  all  Israel.  Azariah,  the 
son  of  Nathan,  was  over  the  officers;  and  Zabud,  the  son  of 
Nathan,  was  principal  officer,  and  the  king's  friend;  and 
Ahishar  was  over  the  household;  and  Adoniram,  the  son  of 
Abda,  was  over  the  tribute. — 1  Kings,  iv  :  1,  5,  6. 

And  the  king  commanded,  and  they  brought  great  stones, 
costly  stones,  and  hewed  stones,  to  lay  the  foundation  of  the 
house.  And  Solomon's  builders  and  Hiram's  builders  did 
hew  them,  and  the  stone-squarers  ;  so  they  prepared  timber 
and  stones  to  build  the  house. — 1  Kings,  v:  17,  18. 

And  King  Solomon  sent  and  fetched  Hiram  out  of  Tyre. 
He  was  a  widow's  son,  of  the  tribe  of  Naphtali;  and  his 
father  was  a  man  of  Tyre,  a  worker  of  brass;  and  he  was 
filled  with  wisdom  and  understanding,  and  cunning,  to  work 
all  works  in  brass. — 1  Kings,  vii:  13,  14. 

The  ancients  of  Grebal,  and  the  wise  men  thereof,  were  in 
thee  thy  calkers;  all  the  ships  of  the  sea,  with  their  mariners, 
were  in  thee,  to  occupy  tby  merchandise. — Ezehiel,  xxvii :  9. 

And  it  came  to  pass,  when  Moses  had  made  an  end  of 
writing  the  words  of  this  law  in  a  book,  until  they  were 
finished,  that  Moses  commanded  the  Levites,  which  bore  the 
ark  of  the  covenant  of  the  Lord,  saying,  Take  this  book  of 
the  law,  and  put  it  in  the  side  of  the  ark  of  the  covenant 
of  the  Lord  your  God,  that  it  may  be  there  for  a  witness 
against  thee. — Deuteronomy,  xxxi :  24-26. 

And  Moses  said  unto  Aaron,  Take  a  pot,  and  put  an  omer 
full  of  manna  therein,  and  lay  it  up  before  the  Lord,  to  be 
kept  for  your  generations.  As  the  Lord  commanded  Moses, 
so  Aaron  laid  it  up  before  the  testimony  to  be  kept. — Exodus, 
xvi:  33,  34. 

And  the  Lord  said  unto  Moses,  Bring  Aaron's  rod  again 
before  the  testimony,  to  be  kept  for  a  token. — Num.,  xvii:  10. 

And  when  Moses  was  gone  into  the  tabernacle  of  the  con- 
gregation, to  speak  with  him,  then  he  heard  the  voice  of  one 
speaking  unto  him  from  off  the  mercy  seat,  that  was  upon  the 
ark  of  the  testimony,  from  between  the  two  cherubims:  and 
he  spake  unto  him. — Numbers,  vii :  89. 

And  look  that  thou  make  them  after  their  pattern,  which 
was  shown  thee  in  the  mount. — Exodus,  xxv:  40. 


SELECT  MASTER. 


167 


CHARGE   TO   A   SELECT   MASTER. 

Companion: — "Having  attained  to  this  degree,  you  have 
passed  the  circle  of  perfection  in  Ancient  Masonry.  In  the 
capacity  of  Select  Master,  you  must  he  sensible  that  your 
obligations  are  increased  in  proportion  to  your  privileges.' 
Let  it  be  your  constant  care  to  prove  yourself  worthy  of  the 
confidence  reposed  in  you,  and  of  the  high  honor  conferred 
on  you,  in  admitting  you  to  this  Select  degree.  Let  upright- 
ness and  integrity  attend  your  steps;  let  justice  and  mercy 
mark  your  conduct;  let  fervency  and  zeal  stimulate  you  in 
the  discharge  of  the  various  duties  incumbent  on  you;  but 
suffer  not  an  idle  or  impertinent  curiosity  to  lead  you  astray, 
or  betray  you  into  danger.  Be  deaf  to  every  insinuation 
which  would  have  a  tendency  to  weaken  your  resolution,  or 
tempt  you  to  an  act  of  disobedience.  Be  voluntarily  dumb  and 
blind,  when  the  exercise  of  those  faculties  would  "endanger 
the  peace  of  your  mind  or  the  probity  of  your  conduct;  and 
let  silence  and  secrecy,  those  cardinal  virtues  of  a  Select  Master, 
on  all  necessary  occasions,  be  scrupulously  observed.  By  a 
steady  adherence  to  the  important  instructions  contained  in 
this  degree,  you  will  merit  the  approbation  of  the  select  nam* 


168  SELECT  MASTER. 

ber  with  whom  you  are  associated,  and  will  enjoy  the  high 
satisfaction  of  having  acted  well  your  part  in  the  important 
enterprise  in  which  you  are  engaged;  and  after  having  wrought 
your  regular  hows,  may  you  be  admitted  to  participate  in  all 
the  privileges  of  a  Select  Master."1 

1  There  is  a  ceremony  of  Constituting  Councils  of  Royal  and  Select 
M&sters  and  Installing  officers,  but  as  we  can  not  use  it  without  viola- 
ting copyright  we  omit  it. 


THE 


CHIVALRIC    DEGREES: 


CONSISTING  OF 


THE  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS, 
KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR,  AND  KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA, 


THE  FOURTH  ORDER  IN  MASONRY. 

(169) 


KNIGHTS   OF  THE  RED   CROSS. 


CHAPTEE  XVII. 


OBSERVATIONS   ON  THE   ORDERS   OF   KNIGHTHOOD. 

As  several  Orders  of  Knighthood  are  conferred,  both  in 
Europe  and  America,  reputedly  under  the  sanction  of  Ma- 
sonic assemblies,  it  may  be  expected  that  some  notice  will 
be  taken  of  them  in  this  work.  It  may  be  necessary  to  pre- 
mise that  the  Orders  of  Knighthood  compose  no  part  of  the 
system  of  Freemasonry.  They  are,  in  comparison  to  it,  so- 
cieties of  but  yesterday,  and  all  of  them  fall  short  of  the 
excellence,  the  harmony,  universality,  and  utility  of  the 
noble  institution. 

The  design  of  this  part  of  the  work  will  be  to  collect  to- 
gether such  observations  from  Scripture  and  history  as  are 
deemed  applicable  to  the  several  orders;  and  as  in  America, 
they  are  only  conferred  as  honorary  degrees,  it  is  possible 
that  this  may  be  the  means  of  producing  a  uniformity  in 
their  application  and  use. 

OP  THE  ORDER  OF  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 

The  incidents  upon  which  this  Order  is  founded,  occurred 
in  the  reign  of  Darius,  king  of  Persia.  It  is  more  imme- 
diately connected  with  symbolic  Masonry,  than  any  other 
Order  of  Knighthood.  Their  meetings  are  called  Councils; 
their  sashes  are  decorated  with  a  Sword  and  Trowel,  and 
trimmed  with  red  and  green. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  considered  by 
Knights  of  this  Order  as  applicable  to  their  institution,  and 
are  occasionally  rehearsed  in  their  Councils : 

"  Now  in  the  second  year  of  their  coming  into  the  house 
of  God  at  Jerusalem,  in  the  second  month,  began  Zerubba- 
bel,  the  son  of  Shealtiel,  and  Jeshua,  the  son  of  Jozadak, 
and  the  remnant  of  their  brethren,  the  priests  and  Levites, 

(171) 


172  KNIGHTS  OP  THE  RED  CROSS. 

and  all  they  that  were  come  out  of  the  captivity  unto  Jeru- 
salem :  and  appointed  the  Levites,  from  twenty  years  old 
and  upward,  to  set  forward  the  work  of  the  house  of  the 
Lord.  Then  stood  Jeshua,  with  his  sons  and  his  brethren, 
Kadmiel  and  his  sons,  the  sons  of  Judah,  together,  to  set 
forward  the  workmen  in  the  house  of  God ;  the  sons  of  He- 
nadad,  with  their  sons  and  their  brethren  the  Levites.  And 
when  the  builders  laid  the  foundation  of  the  Temple  of  the 
Lord,  they  set  the  priests  in  their  apparel  with  trumpets, 
and  the  Levites,  the  sons  of  Asaph,  with  cymbals,  to  praise 
the  Lord,  after  the  ordinance  of  David,  king  of  Israel.  And 
they  sang  together  by  course,  in  praising  and  giving  thanks 
unto  the  Lord;  because  he  is  good,  for  his  mercy  endureth 
forever  toward  Israel.  And  all  the  people  shouted  with  a 
great  shout  when  they  praised  the  Lord,  because  the  founda- 
tion of  the  house  of  the  Lord  was  laid. — Ezra  iii :  8-11. 

"  Now  when  the  adversaries  of  Judah  and  Benjamin  heard 
that  the  children  of  the  captivity  builded  the  Temple  unto 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  then  they  came  to  Zerubbabel,  and 
to  the  chief  of  the  fathers,  and  said  unto  them,  Let  us  build 
with  you ;  for  we  seek  your  God  as  ye  do  ;  and  we  do  sacri- 
fice unto  him,  since  the  days  of  Esar-Haddon,  king  of  Assur, 
which  brought 'us  up  hither.  But  Zerubbabel,  and  Jeshua, 
and  the  rest  of  the  chief  of  the  fathers  of  Israel,  said  unto 
them,  Ye  have  nothing  to  do  with  us  to  build  an  house  unto 
our  God ;  but  we  ourselves  together  will  build  unto  the  Lord 
God  of  Israel,  as  King  Cyrus,  the  king  of  Persia,  hath  com- 
manded us.  Then  the  people  of  the  land  weakened  the 
hands  of  the  people  of  Judah,  and  troubled  them  in  build- 
ing ;  and  hired  counselors  against  them,  to  frustrate  their 
purpose,  all  the  days  of  Cyrus,  king  of  Persia,  even  until  the 
reign  of  Darius,  king  of  Persia.  And  in  the  reign  of  Ahas- 
uerus,  in  the  beginning  of  his  reign,  wrote  they  unto  him 
an  accusation  against  the  inhabitants  of  Judah  and  Jeru- 
salem. And  in  the  days  of  Artaxerxes  wrote  Bishlam, 
Mithredath,  Tabeel,  and  the  rest  of  their  companions,  unto 
Artaxerxes,  king  of  Persia ;  and  the  writing  of  the  letter 
was  written  in  the  Syrian  tongue,  and  interpreted  in  the 
Syrian  tongue ;  Rehum,  the  chancellor,  and  Shimshai,  the 
scribe,  wrote  a  letter  against  Jerusalem  to  Artaxerxes,  the 
king,  in  this  sort :  This  is  the  copy  of  the  letter  that  they 
sent  unto  him,  even  unto  Artaxerxes,  the  king:     Thy  serv- 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS.  173 

&a  %  the  men  on  this  side  the  river,  and  at  such  a  time. 
Lf  it  known  unto  the  king,  that  the  Jews,  which  came  up 
frir«n  thee  to  us,  are  come  unto  Jerusalem,  building  the  re- 
be-«ious  and  the  bad  city,  and  have  set  up  the  walls  thereof, 
and  joined  the  foundations.  Be  it  known  now  unto  the 
king,  that  if  this  city  be  builded,  and  the  walls  set  up  again, 
then  will  they  not  pay  toll,  tribute,  and  custom,  and  so  thou 
shalt  endamage  the  revenue  of  the  kings.  Now,  because  we 
have  maintenance  from  the  king's  palace,  and  it  was  not 
meet  for  us  to  see  the  king's  dishonor ;  therefore  have  we 
sent  and  certified  the  king.  That  search  may  be  made  in 
the  book  of  the  records  of  thy  fathers:  so  shalt  thou  find  in 
the  book  of  the  records,  and  know,  that  this  city  is  a  rebel- 
lious city,  and  hurtful  unto  kings  and  provinces,  and  that 
they  have  moved  sedition  within  the  same  of  old  time ;  for 
which  cause  was  this  city  destroyed.  We  certify  the  king, 
that  if  this  city  be  builded  again,  and  the  walls  thereof  set 
up,  by  this  means  thou  shalt  have  no  portion  on  this  side 
the  river.  Then  sent  the  king  an  answer  unto  Rehum,  the 
chancellor,  and  to  Shimshai,  the  scribe,  and  to  the  rest  of 
their  companions  that  dwell  in  Samaria,  and  unto  the  rest 
beyond  the  river,  Peace,  and  at  such  a  time.  The  letter 
which  ye  sent  unto  us  hath  been  plainly  read  before  me. 
And  I  commanded,  and  search  hath  been  made,  and  it  is 
found,  that  this  city  of  old  time  hath  made  insurrection 
against  kingF;  and  that  rebellion  and  sedition  have  been 
made  therein.  There  have  been  mighty  kings  also  over 
Jerusalem,  which  have  ruled  over  all  countries  beyond  the 
river;  and  toll,  tribute,  and  custom,  was  paid  unto  •  them. 
Give  ye  now  commandment  to  cause  these  men  to  cease,  and 
that  this  city  be  not  builded,  until  another  commandment 
shall  be  given  from  me.  Take  heed  now  that  ye  fail  not  to 
do  this  :  why  should  damage  grow  to  the  hurt  of  the  kings  ? 
Now,  when  the  copy  of  King  Artaxerxes'  letter  was  read 
before  Rehum,  and  Shimshai,  the  scribe,  and  their  compan- 
ions, they  went  up  in  haste  to  Jerusalem,  unto  the  Jews,  and 
made  them  cease  by  force  and  power.  Then  ceased  the  work 
of  the  house  of  God,  which  is  at  Jerusalem.  So  it  ceased 
unto  the  second  year  of  the  reign  of  Darius,  king  of  Persia." 
— Ezra  iv. 

Josephus  informs  us  that  Darius,  while  he  was  yet  a  pri- 
vate man,  made  a  vow  to  God,  that  if  ever  he  came  to  the 


174  KNIGHTS  OF  THE  RED  CROSS. 

throne,  lie  would  send  all  the  holy  vessels  that  were  at  Baby- 
lon back  again  to  Jerusalem ;  and  it  happened  about  the  time 
of  his  accession,  that  Zerubbabel,  who  was  a  captain  or  prince 
of  the  Jewish  captives,  came  from  Jerusalem,  to  Darius,  as 
well  to  solicit  his  protection  against  their  adversaries  on  the 
other  side  of  the  river,  as  to  watch  a  suitable  opportunity  of 
endeavoring  to  persuade  the  king  to  fulfill  his  promise.  He 
had  long  been  known  to  Darius  as  a  man  of  great  judgment 
and  understanding,  and  was  therefore  taken  into  the  king's 
confidence,  and  put  into  a  particular  trust,  with  two  other 
great  oflicers,  as  his  constant  attendants. 

Darius,  in  the  first  year  of  his  reign,  gave  a  splendid  and 
magnificent  entertainment  to  the  princes  and  nobility,  and 
after  they  had  retired,  finding  himself  unable  to  sleep,  he  fell 
into  a  discourse  with  his  three  favorite  officers,  to  whom  he 
proposed  certain  questions,  telling  them,  at  the  same  time, 
that  he  who  should  give  him  the  most  reasonable  and  satis- 
factory answer,  should  be  clothed  in  purple,  drink  in  a  golden 
cup,  wear  a  silken  tiara,  and  a  golden  chain  about  his  neck. 

He  then  proposed  this  question  :  Which  is  greatest,  the 
strength  of  wine,  of  the  king,  of  women,  or  of  truth?  To  this 
the  first  answered,  wine  is  the  strongest;  the  second,  that  the 
Icing  was  strongest;  and  the  third  (who  was  Zerubbabel)  that 
women  were  stronger,  but  above  all  things  truth  beareth  the 
victory. 

On  the  following  day  the  king  assembled  together  tho 
princes  and  nobility  to  hear  the  question  debated  ;  and  hav- 
ing placed  himself  upon  the  royal  seat  of  judgment,  he 
called  upon  them  to  make  a  public  defense  of  their  several 
opinions:  whereupon  the  first  began  upon  the  strength  of 
wine,  as  follows  : 

"  0  ye  princes  and  rulers,  how  exceeding  strong  is  wine! 
it  causeth  all  men  to  err  that  drink  it:  it  maketh  the  mind 
of  the  king  and  the  beggar  to  be  all  one;  of  the  bondman 
and  the  freeman;  of  the  poor  man  and  of  the  rich;  it  turn- 
eth,  also,  every  thought  into  jollity  and  mirth,  so  that  a 
man  remembereth  neither  sorrow  nor  debt;  it  changeth  and 
elevateth  the  spirits,  and  enliveneth  the  heavy  hearts  of  the 
miserable.  It  maketh  a  man  forget  his  brethren,  and  draw 
his  sword  against  his  best  friends.  0  ye  princes  and  rulers, 
is  not  wine  the  strongest,  that  forceth  us  to  do  these  things  ?" 


KNIGHTS  OF   THE  RED   CROSS.  175 

Then  began  the  second,  upon  the  power  of  kings,  and 
spoke  as  follows  :  "  It  is  beyond  dispute,  0  princes  and 
rulers,  that  God  has  made  man  master  of  all  things  under 
the  sun  ;  to  command  them,  to  make  use  of  them,  and  apply 
them  to  his  service  as  he  pleases:  but  whereas  men  have  only 
dominion  over  other  sublunary  creatures,  kings  have  an 
authority  even  over  men  themselves,  and  a  right  of  ruling 
them  by  will  and  pleasure.  Now,  he  that  is  master  of  those 
who  are  masters  of  all  things  else,  Hath  no  earthly  thing 
above  him." 

Then  began  Zerubbabel  upon  the  power  of  women  and  of 
truth,  and  spoke  as  follows:  "  O  princes  and  rulers,  the  force 
of  wine  is  not  to  be  denied;  neither  is  that  of  kings,  that 
unites  so  many  men  in  one  common  bond  of  allegiance;  but 
the  supereminency  of  women  is  yet  above  all  this;  for  kings 
are  but  the  gifts  of  women,  and  they  are,  also,  the  mothers  of 
those  that  cultivate  our  vineyards.  Women  have  the  power 
to  make  us  abandon  our  very  country  and  relations,  and  many 
times  to  forget  the  best  friends  we  have  in  the  world,  and  for- 
saking all  other  comforts,  to  live  and  die  with  them.  But 
when  all  is  said,  neither  they,  nor  wine,  nor  kings,  are  com- 
parable to  the  almighty  force  of  truth.  As  for  all  other 
things,  they  are  mortal  and  transient,  but  truth  alone  is  un- 
changealbe  and  everlasting;  the  benefits  we  receive  from  it 
are  subject  to  no  variations  Or  vicissitudes  of  time  and  for- 
tune. In  her  judgment  is  no  unrighteousness,  and  she  is  the 
strength,  wisdom,  power,  and  majesty  of  all  ages.  Blessed 
be  the  God  of  truth. " 

When  Zerubbabel  had  finished  speaking,  the  princes  and 
rulers  cried  out :  "Great  is  truth, and  mighty  above  all  things." 

Then,  said  the  king  to  Zerubbabel,  u  Ask  what  thou  wilt, 
and  I  will  give  it  thee,  because  thou  art  found  wisest  among 
thy  companions." 

Then  said  he  to  Darius,  "0  king,  remember  thy  vow,  which 
thou  hast  vowed,  to  build  Jerusalem  in  the  day  when  thou 
shouldest  come  to  thy  kingdom,  and  to  restore  the  holy  ves- 
sels which  were  taken  away  out  of  Jerusalem.  Thou  hast 
also  vowed  to  build  up  the  temple,  which  was  burned  when 
Judah  was  made  desolate  by  the  Chaldees.  And  now,  O 
king,  this  is  that  I  desire  of  thee,  that  thou  make  good  the 
vow,  the  performance  whereof  with  thine  own  mouth  thou 
last  vowed  to  the  king  of  Heaven. " 


176  KNIGHTS   OP  THE   RED   CROSS. 

Then  Darius,  the  king,  stood  up  and  embraced  him,  and 
gave  him  passports  and  letters  to  his  governors  and  officers; 
that  they  should  safely  convey  both  him  and  those  who  should 
go  with  him  to  Jerusalem;  and  that  they  should  not  be  de- 
layed or  hindered  from  building  the  city  and  the  temple,  until 
they  should  be  finished.  He  also  restored  all  the  holy  ves- 
sels remaining  in  his  possession,  that  had  been  taken  from 
Jerusalem,  when  the  children  of  Israel  were  carried  away 
captive  to  Babylon,  Snd  reserved  by  Cyrus. 

"  But  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  Sanballat,  and  Tobiah,  and 
the  Arabians,  and  the  Ammonites,  and  the  Ashdodites,  heard 
that  the  walls  of  Jerusalem  were  made  up,  and  that  the 
breaches  began  to  be  stopped,  then  they  were  very  wroth,  and 
conspired  all  of  them  together  to  come  and  to  fight  against 
Jerusalem,  and  to  hinder  it.  Nevertheless  we  made  our 
prayer  unto  our  God,  and  set  a  watch  against  them  day  and 
niglit  because  of  them.  And  Judah  said,  The  strength  of  the 
bearers  of  burdens  is  decayed,  and  there  is  much  rubbish;  so 
that  we  are  not  able  to  build  the  wall.  And  our  adversaries 
said,  They  shall  not  know,  neither  see,  till  we  come  in  the 
midst  among  them,  and  slay  them,  and  cause  the  work  to 
cease.  And  it  came  to  pass,  that  when  the  Jews  which  dwelt 
by  thern  came,  they  said  unto  us  ten  times,  From  all  places 
whence  ye  shall  return  unto  us  they  will  be  upon  you. 

"  Therefore  set  I  in  the  lower  places  behind  the  wall,  and 
on  the  higher  places,  I  even  set  the  people  after  their  families, 
with  their  swords,  their  spears,  and  their  bows.  And  I  looked, 
and  rose  up,  and  said  unto  the  nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to 
the  rest  of  the  people,  Be  not  ye  afraid  of  them,  remember  the 
Lord,  which  is  great  and  terrible,  and  fight  for  your  brethren, 
your  sons,  and  your  daughters,  your  wives,  and  your  houses. 
And  it  came  to  pass,  when  our  enemies  heard  that  it  was 
known  unto  us,  and  God  had  brought  their  counsel  to  naught, 
that  we  returned  all  of  us  to  the  wall,  every  one  unto  his 
work.  And  it  came  to  pass  from  that  time  forth,  that  the 
half  of  my  servants  wrought  in  the  work,  and  the  other  half 
of  them  held  both  the  spears,  the  shields,  and  the  bows,  and 
the  habergeons;  and  the  rulers  were  behind  all  the  house  of 
Judah.  They  which  builded  on  the  wall,  and  they  that  bare 
burdens,  with  those  that  laded,  every  one  with  one  of  his 
hands  wrought  in  the  work,  and  with  the  other  hand  held  a 
weapon.     For  the  builders,  every  one  had  his  sword  girded  by 


KNIGHTS   OF   THE   RED   CROSS.  177 

his  side,  and  so  builded.  And  he  that  sounded  the  trumpet 
was  by  me. 

"  And  I  said  unto  the  nobles,  and  to  the  rulers,  and  to  the 
rest  of  the  people,  The  work  is  great  and  large,  and  we  are 
separated  upon  the  wall,  one  far  from  another.  In  what  place 
therefore  ye  hear  the  sound  of  the  trumpet,  resort  ye  thither 
unto  us:  our  God  shall  fight  for  us." 

"  Then  the  prophets,  Haggai  the  prophet  and  Zeehariah 
the  son  of  Iddo,  prophesied  unto  the  Jews  that  were  in  Judah 
and  Jerusalem,  in  the  name  of  the  God  of  Israel,  even  unto 
them.  Then  rose  up  Zerubbabel,  the  son  of  Shealtiel,  and 
Jeshua  the  son  of  Jozadak,  and  began  to  build  the  house  of 
God  which  is  at  Jerusalem:  and  with  them  were  the  prophets 
of  God  helping  them.  At  the  same  time  came  to  them  Tat- 
nai,  governor  on  this  side  the  river,  and  Shethar-boznai,  and 
their  companions,  and  said  thus  unto  them  :  Who  hath  com- 
manded you  to*  build  this  house,  and  to  make  up  this  wall  ? 
Then  said  we  unto  them,  after  this  manner:  What  are  the 
names  of  the  men  that  make  this  building?  But  the  eye 
of  their  God  was  upon  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  that  they 
could  not  cause  them  to  cease,  till  the  matter  came  to  Darius; 
and  then  they  returned  answer  by  letter  concerning  this  matter. 
The  copy  of  the  letter  that  Tatnai,  governor  on  this  side  the 
river,  and  Shethar-boznai,  and  his  companions,  the  Aphar- 
sachites,  which  were  on  this  side  the  river,  sent  unto  Darius 
the  king:  Theyrsent  a  letter  unto  him,  wherein  was  written: 
Unto  Darius,  the  king,  all  peace.  Be  it  known  unto  the  king, 
that  we  went  into  the  province  of  Judea,  to  the  house  of  the 
great  God,  which  is  builded  with  great  stones,  and  timber  is 
laid  in  the  walls,  and  this  work  goeth  fast  on,  and  prospereth 
in  their  hands.  Then  asked  we  those  elders,  and  said  unto 
them  thus:  Who  commanded  you  to  build  this  house,  and  to 
make  up  these  walls?  We  asked  their  names  also,  to  certify 
thee,  that  we  might  write  the  names  of  the  men  that  were  the 
chief  of  them.  And  thus  they  returned  us  answer,  saying, 
We  are  the  servants  of  the  God  of  heaven  and  earth,  and 
build  the  house  that  was  builded  these  many  years  ago,  which 
a  great  king  of  Israel  builded  and  set  up.  But  after  that  our 
fathers  had  provoked  the  God  of  heaven  unto  wrath,  he  gave 
them  into  the  hand  of  Nebuchadnezzar,  the  king  of  Babylon, 
the  Chaldean,  who  destroyed  this  house,  and  carried  the 
people  away  into  Babylon.     But  in  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  the 


178  KNIGHTS  OF   THE   RED   CROSS.       a 

king  of  Babylon,  the  same  king  Cyrus  made  a  decree  to  b«:.;id 
this  house  of  God.  And  the  vessels  also  of  gold  and  silver 
of  the  house  of  God,  which  Nebuchadnezzar  took  out  of  the 
temple  that  was  in  Jerusalem,  and  brought  them  intc  the 
temple  of  Babylon,  those  did  Cyrus  the  king  take  out  of  the 
temple  at  Babylon,  and  they  were  delivered  unto  one  "-vhose 
name  was  Sheshbazzar,  whom  he  made  governor;  and  said 
unto  him,  Take  these  vessels,  go,  carry  them  into  the  temple 
that  is  in  Jerusalem,  and  let  the  house  of  God  be  builded  in 
his  place.  Then  came  the  same  Sheshbazzar,  and  laid  the 
foundation  of  the  house  of  God  which  is  in  Jerusalem;  and 
since  thai  time  even  until  now  hath  it  been  in  building,  and 
yet  it  is  not  finished.  Now,  therefore,  if  it  seem  good  to  the 
king,  let  there  be  search  made  in  the  king's  treasure-house, 
which  is  there  at  Babylon,  whether  it  be  so,  that  a  decree  was 
made  of  Cyrus  the  king  to  build  this  house  of  God  at  Jeru- 
salem, and  let  che  king  send  his  pleasure  to  us  concerning 
this  matter." — Ezra  y. 

"Then  Darius  the  king  made  a  decree,  and  search  was  made 
in  the  house  of  the  rolls,  where  the  treasures  were  laid  up  in 
Babylon.  And  there  was  found  at  Achmetha,  in  the  palace 
that  is  in  the  province  of  the  Medes,  a  roll,  and  therein  was 
a  record  thus  written  :  In  the  first  year  of  Cyrus  the  king, 
the  same  Cyrus  the  king  made  a  decree  concerning  the  house 
of  God  at  Jerusalem,  Let  the  house  be  builded,  the  place 
where  they  offered  sacrifice,  and  let  the  foundations  thereof 
be  strongly  laid ;  the  hight  thereof  threescore  cubits;  and 
the  breadth  thereof  threescore  cubits ;  with  three  rows  of 
great  stones,  and  a  row  of  new  timber  :  and  let  the  expenses 
be  given  out  of  the  king's  house.  And  also  let  the  golden 
and  silver  vessels  of  the  house  of  God,  which  Nebuchadnezzar 
took  forth  out  of  the  temple  which  is  at  Jerusalem  and 
brought  unto  Babylon,  be  restored,  and  brought  again  unto 
the  temple  which  is  at  Jerusalem,  every  one  to  his  place  and 
place  them  in  the  house  of  God.  Now,  therefore,  Tatnai, 
governor  beyond  the  river,  Shethar-boznai,  and  your  com- 
panions the  Apharsachites,  which  are  beyond  the  river,  be  ye 
far  from  thence  ;  let  the  work  of  this  house  of  God  alone,  let 
the  governor  of  the  Jews,  and  the  elders  of  the  Jews,  build 
this  house  of  God  in  his  place.  Moreover,  I  make  a  decree 
what  ye  shall  do  to  the  elders  of  these  Jews,  for  the  building 
of  this  house  of  God;  that  of  the  king's  goods,  even  of  the 


KNIGHTS   OF   THE   RED   CEOSS.  179 

tribute  beyond  tbe  river,  forthwith  expenses  be  given  unto 
these  men  that  they  be  not  hindered.  And  that  which  they 
have  need  of,  both  young  bullocks,  and  rams,  and  lambs,  for 
the  burnt-offerings  of  the  God  of  heaven  ;  wheat,  salt,  wine, 
and  oil,  according  to  the  appointment  of  the  priests  which  are 
at  Jerusalem,  let  it  be  given  them  day  by  day  without  fail ; 
that  they  may  offer  sacrifices  of  sweet  savors  unto  the  God  of 
heaven,  and  pray  for  the  life  of  the  king  and  of  his  sons. 
Also  I  have  made  a  decree,  that  whosoever  shall  alter  this 
word,  let  the  timber  be  pulled  down  from  his  house,  and,  being 
set  up,  let  him  be  hanged  thereon  ;  and  let  his  house  be  made 
a  dunghill  for  this.  And  the  God  that  hath  caused  his 
name  to  dwell  there,  destroy  all  kings  and  people  that  shall 
put  to  their  hand  to  alter  and  to  destroy  this  house  of  God 
which  is  at  Jerusalem.  I  Darius  have  made  a  decree;  let 
it  be  done  with  speed.  Then  Tatnai,  governor  on  this  side 
the  river,  Shethar-boznai,  and  their  companions,  according  to 
that  which  Darius  the  king  had  sent,  so  they  did  speedily. 
And  the  -elders  of  the  Jews  builded,  and  they  prospered 
through  the  prophesying  of  Haggai  the  prophet,  and  Zecha- 
riah  the  son  of  Iddo ;  and  they  builded,  and  finished  it,  accord- 
ing to  the  commandment  of  the  God  of  Israel,  and  according 
to  the  commandment  of  Cyrus,  and  Darius,  and  Artaxerxes, 
king  of  Persia.  And  this  house  was  finished  on  the  third  day 
of  the  month  Adar,  which  was  in  the  sixth  year  of  the  reign 
of  Darius  the  king/'  and  in  the  year  of  the  world  3489. — ■ 
Ezra  vi. 


KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

OBSERVATIONS  ON  THE  ORDERS  OF  KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR,  AND 
KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 

According  to  the  Abbe  de  Vertot,  the  Order  of  Knights  of 
Malta,  who  were  originally  called  Hospitalers  of  St.  John  of 
Jerusalem,  took  its  rise  about  the  year  1099;  from  which 
time  to  the  year  1118,  their  whole  employment  was  works  of 
charity,  and  taking  care  of  the  sick. 

Some  time  after  the  establishment  of  this  Order„.riine  gen- 
tlemen, of  whose  names  two  only  remain  on  record,  viz.: 
Hugho  de  Paganinis  and  Godfrey  Adelman  formed  a  society 
tp  guard  and  protect  the  Christian  pilgrims  who  traveled  from 
abroad  to  visit  the  holy  Sepulcher. 

These  men  were  encouraged  by  the  Abbot  of  Jerusalem, 
who  assigned  them  and  their  companions  a  place  of  retreat  in 
a  Christian  church,  called  the  Church  of  the  Holy  Temple, 
from  which  they  were  called  Templars,  and  not  from  the 
temple  of  Jerusalem,  that  having  been  destroyed  by  Titus 
Vespasian,  982  years  before  the  society  of  Templars  was 
instituted. 

The  society  increased  rapidly,  and  was  much  respected  ; 
but  had  neither  habit,  order,  or  mark  of  distinction,  for  the 
space  of  nine  years,  when  Pope  Honorius  II,  at  the  request  of 
Stephen,  Patriarch  of  Jerusalem,  laid  down  a  rule  and  manner 
of  life  for  them;  and  ordained  that  they  should  be  clothed 
in  white  ;  to  which  garment  Pope  Eugenius  III,  added  a  red 
cross,  to  be  worn  on  the  breast,  which  they  promised  by  a 
solemn  oath  to  obseive  forever. 

Incited  by  the  example  of  the  Knights  Templar,  about  the 

year,  1118,  the  Hospitalers  also    took   up  the    profession  of 

arms,   in    addition    to    their   original    charitable    profession  ; 

occupying  themselves  at  one  time  in  attending  upon  the  sick, 

(180) 


KNIGHTS  TEjiPHAR. 


t>/  181 


and  at  others  in  acts  of  hostility  against  the  Turks  and  Sara- 
cens.   At  this  time  they  took  the  name  of  Knights  Hospitalers. 

Both  Orders  flourished  and  increased  daily  ;  but  that  of  the 
Templars,  though  the  younger  of  the  two,  having  from  its 
original  establishment  been  wholly  employed  in  the  profes- 
sion of  arms,  was  by  many  esteemed -to  be  tne  most  honorable; 
and  therefore  many  noblemen,  princes,  and  persons  of  the 
highest  distinction,  who  thought  the  service  of  tending  the 
sick  too  servile  an  employment,  entered  themselves  among 
the  Knights  Templar  in  preference  to  the  other  Order. 

Both  Orders,  for  years,  generally  took  the  field  together, 
and,  as  well  by  themselves  as  in  conjunction  with  the  troops 
of  the  Crusades,  won  many  battles,  and  performed  prodigies 
of  valor.  The  emulation,  however,  which  subsisted  between 
them  often  occasioned  warm  disputes,  which  rose  to  such  a 
hight  as  produced  frequent  skirmishes  between  detached  par- 
ties of  the  two  Orders.  This  occasioned  the  Pope  and  the 
respective  Grand  Masters  to  interfere,  who  in  a  great  measure 
suppressed  these  quarrels  ;  but  the  Knights  of  the  different 
Orders,  ever  afterward,  continued  to  view  each  other  with 
jealous  eyes. 

Some  time  after  these  difficulties  were  thus  partially  sup- 
pressed, the  Turks  assembled  a  great  force  and  drove  the 
whole  of  the  Christians  out  of  Palestine.  The  last  fortress 
they  had  possession  of  was  that  of  St.  John  d'Acre.  This 
was  long  and  bravely  defended  by  the  Knights  Templar 
against  their  besiegers.  The  Turks,  however,  at  last  forced 
three  hundred  Knights,  being  all  that  remained  of  the  garri- 
son, to  take  refuge  in  a  strong  tower,  to  which  also  the  women 
fled  for  safety.  The  Turks  hereupon  set  about  undermining 
it,  which  they  in  a  short  time  so  effectually  accomplished,  that 
the  Knights  saw,  in  case  they  held  out  any  longer,  they  must 
inevitably  perish.  They  therefore  capitulated,  stipulating, 
among  other  things,  that  the  honor  of  their  women  should 
not  be  violated.  Upon  this,  the  tower  being  opened,  the 
Turks  marched  in ;  but,  in  total  breach  of  the  terms  of  capitu- 
lation, they  immediately  began  to  offer  violence  to  the  women. 
The  enraged  Knights  instantly  drew  their  swords  hewed  in 
pieces  all  the  Turks  who  had  entered,  shut  the  gates  against 
those  who  remained  without,  and  resigned  themselves  to  inevi- 
table death,  which  they  soon  met  with,  by  the  tower  being 
undermined  and  thrown  down  upon  their  heads. 


182  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR. 

After  this  defeat,  the  two  Orders  found  an  asylum  in  the 
island  of  Cyprus;  from  whence,  after  some  time,  the  Knights 
Templar,  finding  their  number  so  diminished  as  to  leave  no 
hopes  of  effecting  anything  toward  the  recovery  of  the  holy 
land,  without  new  Crusades  (which  the  Christian  princes  did 
not  seem  inclined" to  set  on  foot),  returned  to  their  different 
commanders  in  the  various  parts  of  Christendom. 

From  this  time  the  Orders  separated  ;  the  Knights  Hospi- 
talers remained  awhile  at  Cyprus,  from  whence  they  after- 
ward went  to  Rhodes,  and  thence  to  Malta  ;  which  name  they 
then  assumed.  The  Knights  Templar  dispersed  themselves 
throughout  all  Europe,  but  still  enjoyed  princely  revenues, 
and  were  extremely  wealthy. 

Vertot  says,  that  Pope  Boniface  VIII,  having  engaged  in  a 
warm  dispute  with  Philip,  king  of  France,  the  two  Orders,  as 
had  too  frequently  happened  before,  took  opposite  sides.  The 
Knights  of  Malta  declared  in  favor  of  King  Philip,  while  the 
Knights  Templar  espoused  the  cause  of  the  Pope.  This  con- 
duct, Philip,  partly  from  a  revengeful  disposition,  and  partly 
from  the  hope  of  getting  possession  of  the  vast  wealth  of  the 
Knights,  never  could  forgive  ;  but  formed,  thenceforward,  the 
design  of  suppressing  the  Order,  whenever  a  proper  opportu- 
nity should  offer.  This,  however,  did  not  occur,  until  after 
the  decease  of  Pope  Boniface. 

Immediately  on  the  death  of  that  pontiff,  the  Cardinals 
assembled  to  elect  his  successor ;  but  party  disputes  ran  so 
high  in  the  conclave,  that  there  seemed  no  probability  of 
again  filling  the  papal  chair  very  speedily.  At  length, 
through  the  intrigues  and  machinations  of  the  friends  of 
Philip,  the  Cardinals  were  all  brought  to  consent  to  the 
election  of  any  priest  that  he  should  recommend  to  them. 

This  was  the  darling  object  the  monarch  had  in  view;  this 
being  accomplished,  he  immediately  sent  for  the  Archbishop  of 
Bordeaux,  whose  ambition  he  knew  had  no  bounds,  and  who 
would  hesitate  at  nothing  to  gratify  it;  and  communicated  to 
him  the  power  he  had  received  of  nominating  a  person  to  the 
papal  chair,  and  promising  he  should  be  the  person,  on  his 
engaging  to  perform  six  conditions.  The  Archbishop  greed- 
ily snatched  at  the  bait,  and  immediately  took  an  oath  on  the 
sacrament  to  the  faithful  performance  of  the  conditions. 
Philip  then  laid  open  to  him  five  of  the  conditions,  but 
reserved  the  sixth  until  after  the  Archbishop's  coronation  as 


KNIGHTS  TEMPLAR.  183 

Pope ;  which  sooi  took  place  in  consequence  of  the  recom- 
mendation of  the  king  to  the  conclave ;  and  the  new  Pope 
took  upon  himself  the  name  of  Clement  V. 

Vertot  goes  on  to  say,  that  a  Templar  and  a  citizen  of 
Beziers,  having  been  apprehended  for  some  crime,  and  com- 
mitted together  to  a  dungeon,  for  want  of  a  priest,  confessed 
to  each  other ;  that  the  citizen,  having  heard  the  Templar's 
confession,  in  order  to  save  his  own  life,  accused  the  Order  to 
King  Philip ;  charging  them,  on  the  authority  of  what  his 
fellow-prisoner  had  told  him,  with  idolatry,  sodomy,  robbery, 
and  murder;  adding  that  the  Knights  Templar  being  secretly 
Mohammedans,  each  Knight,  on  his  admission  in  the  Order, 
was  obliged  to  renounce  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  spit  on  the  cross, 
in  token  of  his  abhorrence  of  it.  Philip,  on  hearing  these 
accusations,  pardoned  the  citizen,  and  disclosed  to  the  Pope 
his  sixth  condition,  which  was  the  suppression  of  the  Order 
of  Knights  Templar. 

Not  only  every  Knight  Templar  must  know  to  a  certainty 
the  absolute  falsehood  of  these  charges,  but  every  unpreju- 
diced reader  of  Vertot's  history  must  also  perceive  that  the 
whole  of  their  accusation  was  the  product  of  Philip's  own 
brain,  in  order  to  accomplish  his  long-wished  for  object  of 
suppressing  the  Order,  and  getting  possession  of  their  vast 
riches  in  his  dominions.  It  is,  therefore,  evident  that  the 
story  of  the  Templar's  confession  was  all  a  forgery,  and  that 
the  citizen  was  no  other  than  a  tool  of  Philip,  who,  to  insure 
his  own  pardon,  was  prevailed  on  to  make  oath  of  such  a 
confession  having  been  made  to  him  by  the  Templar. 

The  historian  proceeds  to  say,  that  in  consequence  of  this 
accusation,  the  Knights  Templar  in  France,  and  other  parts 
of  the  Pope's  dominions,  were  imprisoned  by  his  order,  and 
put  to  the  most  exquisite  tortures,  to  make  them  confess  them- 
selves guilty.  They,  however,  bore  these  tortures  with  the 
most  heroic  fortitude,  persisting  to  the  last  in  asserting  their 
own  innocence,  and  that  of  their  Order. 

In  addition  to  these  proceedings,  Pope  Clement,  in  the  year 
1312,  issued  his  bull  for  the  annihilation  of  the  Order  of 
Knights  Templar,  which  he  caused  to  be  published  through- 
out every  country  in  Christendom.  He,  at  the  same  time,  gave 
their  possessions  to  the  Knights  of  Malta,  which  appropria- 
tion of  the  Templar's  estates  was  assented  to  by  most  of  the 
sovereigns  in  Europe;  and  there  is  now  extant  among  tho 


184  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR. 

English  statutes,  an  act  of  parliament,  whereby,  after  setting 
forth  that  the  Order  of  Templars  has  been  suppressed,  theii 
possessions  in  England  are  confirmed  to  the  Knights  of  St. 
John. 

Vertot,  however,  further  says,  that  in  Germany,  the  histo- 
rians of  that  nation  relate,  that  Pope  Clement  having  sent  his 
bull  for  abolishing  the  Order,  to  the  Archbishop  of  Metey, 
for  him  to  enforce,  that  prelate  summoned  all  his  clergy 
together,  that  the  publication  might  be  made  with  greater 
solemnity;  and  that  they  were  suddenly  surprised  by  the 
entry  of  WallgrufTor,  Count  Sauvage,  one  of  the  principals  of 
the  Order,  attended  by  twenty  other  Templars,  armed,  and  in 
their  regular  habits. 

The  Count  declared  he  was  not  come  to  do  violence  to  any- 
body, but  having  heard  of  the  bull  against  his  Order,  came 
to  insist  that  the  appeal  which  they  made  from  that  decree 
to  the  next  council,  and  the  successor  of  Clement,  should  be 
received,  read,  and  published.  This  he  pressed  so  warmly, 
that  the  Archbishop,  not  thinking  it  proper  to  refuse  men 
whom  he  saw  armed,  complied.  He  sent  the  appeal  afterward 
to  the  Pope,  who  ordered  him  to  have  it  examined  in  a  council 
of  his  province.  Accordingly,  a  synod  was  called,  and  after 
a  lengthy  trial,  and  various  formalities  which  were  theu 
observed,  the  Templars  of  that  province  were  declared  inno- 
cent of  the  crimes  charged  upon  them. 

Although  the  Templars  were  thus  declared  innocent,  it  does 
not  appear  that  either  their  possessions  or  their  government, 
as  a  distinct  order,  was  restored ;  but  that  their  estates  in  the 
German  Empire  were  divided  between  the  Knights  of  Malta 
and  the  Teutonic  Knights;  to  the  first  of  which  Orders,  many 
Knights  Templar  afterward  joined  themselves.  This  appears 
altogether  probable  from  the  following  circumstances,  viz.:  It 
is  unquestionable,  that  the  habit  of  the  Knights  Templar 
was  originally  white;  but  we  now  observe  they  distinguish 
themselves  by  the  same  color  as  the  Knights  of  Malta,  viz. : 
black;  which  change  can  not  be  accounted  for  in  any  other 
way  than  by  a  union  with  the  Knights  of  that  Order. 

MANUAL. 

The  throne  is  situated  in  the  east ;  above  is  suspended  the 
arms  of  the'Grand  Patron,  between  a  banner  of  the  emblems 
of  the  Order,  and  another  of  the  arms  of  the  Grand  Master. 


KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR.  185 

On  the  right  of  the  throne  the  Deputy  Grand  Master  and 
Past  Grand  Master;  or  in  Subordinate  Encampments,  the 
Past  Grand  Commander. 

On  the  left  the  Grand  Prelate  and  Grand  Chancellor. 

The  Grand  Treasurer  on  the  right,  and  the  Grand  Register 
on  the  left  in  front. 

The  Knights,  who  are  entitled  to  seats  above  the  standards, 
are  so  arranged  as  that  there  shall  be  an  equal  number  on 
each  side  the  throne. 

Over  the  stall  of  each  is  a  banner  of  arms  or  emblems. 
Next  on  each  side  is  a  standard-bearer,  with  a  banner  of 
sky-blue  silk,  on  which  is  a  cross  of  Malta  in  silver,  with 
the  motto,  The  will  of  God. 

Next  below  the  standards  two  experts,  one  bearing  a  spear 
and  a  shield,  and  the  other  a  battle-ax.  Next  to  them  the 
sword-bearer  and  cross-bearer  ;  then  the  Knights  not  in  office, 
concluding  with  the  two  Stewards,  each  with  his  staff. 

In  the  south-west  the  Senior  Warden  ;  in  the  north-west 
the  Junior  Warden. 

In  the  west,  between  the  Wardens,  a  stall  for  the  Initiate, 
supported  by  the  Master  of  Ceremonies  and  a  herald. 

APRONS. 

White,  with  a  black  .border :  or  black,  with  a  white  border. 
The  flap,  black,  and  a  skull  and  cross  bones  embroidered  in 
silver  thereon. 

DRESS. 

A  full  suit  of  black,  with  a  rapier  and  military  hat ;  a 
broad  black  on  the  right  shoulder;  across  the  body  to 

the  left  side,  ornamented  with  a  silver  star  opposite  to  the 
left  breast,  having  sevesn  points. 

The  Grand  Master  or  Commander,  a  star  of  nine  points ;  in 
the  center  of  the  star,  a  cross  and  serpent  of  gold,  surrounded 
by  a  circle,  on  which  is  engraved,  or  enameled,  In  Hoc  Signo 
Vinces. 

The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  occasionally  re- 
hearsed in  encampments  of  Knights  Templar  : 

"  Jamesj  a  servant  of  God  and  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  to 
the  twelve  tribes  which  are  scattered  abroad,  greeting.     My 
16 


186  KNTGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

Brethen,  count  it  all  joy  when  you  fall  into  divers  tempta- 
tions ;  knowing  this,  that  the  trying  of  your  faith  worketh 
patience.  But  let  patience  have  her  perfect  work,  that  ye 
may  be  perfect  and  entire,  wanting  nothing.  If  any  of  you 
lick  wisdom,  let  him  ask  of  God,  that  giveth  to  all  men  liber- 
ally, and  upbraideth  not;  and  it  shall  be  given  him.  But 
iet  him  ask  in  faith,  nothing  wavering;  for  he  that  wavereth 
is  like  a  wave  of  the  sea,  driven  with  the  wind,  and  tossed. 
For  let  not  that  man  think  that  he  shall  receive  anything  of 
the  Lord.  A  double-minded  man  is  unstable  in  all  his  ways. 
Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice  in  that  he  is  exalted. 
If  any  man  among  you  seem  to  be  religious,  and  bridleth  not 
his  tongue,  but  deceiveth  his  own  heart,  that  man's  religion  is 
vain.  Pure  religion,  and  undefiled  before  God  and  the 
Father,  is  this  :  To  visit  the  fatherless  and  widows  in  their 
affliction,  and  to  keep  himself  unspotted  from  the  world." 

EXHORTATION. 

1.  Let  the  brother  of  low  degree  rejoice  in  that  he  is 
exalted. 

2.  Come  unto  me,  all  ye  that  labor,  and  are  heavy  laden, 
and  I  will  give  you  rest. 

3.  Christ  suffered  for  us,  leaving  us  an  example  that  we 
should  follow  his  steps. 

4.  For  we  were  as  sheep  going  astray,  but  now  are  we 
returned  to  the  shepherd  and  bishop  of  our  souls. 

5.  If  our  brother  or  sister  be  naked,  and  destitute  of  daily 
food,  and  one  of  you  say,  Depart  in  peace,  be  ye  warmed  and 
filled,  and  ye  give  them  not  of  those  things  which  are  needful 
for  the  body,  what  doth  it  profit? 

6.  To  do  good  and  to  communicate  forget  not,  for  with 
such  sacrifices  God  is  well  pleased. 

7.  May  he  who  is  able  send  you  forth  into  the  world 
thoroughly  furnished  for  every  good  work,  keep  you  from 
falling  into  vice  and  error,  improve,  strengthen,  establish  and 
perfect  you. 

Then  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Judas  Iscariot,  went  unto 
the  chief  priests,  and  said  unto  them,  What  will  ye  give  me, 
and  I  will  deliver  him  unto  you  ?  And  they  covenanted  with 
him  for  thirty  pieces  of  silver.  And  from  that  time  he  sought 
opportunity  to  betray  him.     Now,  the  first  day  of  the  feast  of 


KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR.  187 

unleavened  bread,  the  disciples  came  to  Jesus,  saying  unto 
him,  Where  wilt  thou  that  we  prepare  for  thee  to  eat  the 
passover?  And  he  said,  GrO  into  the  city  to  such  a  man,  and 
say  unto  him,  The  master  saith,  My  time  is  at  hand  ;  I  will 
keep  the  passover  at  thy  house  with  my  disciples.  And  the 
disciples  did  as  Jesus  had  appointed  them.  And  they  made 
ready  the  passover.  Now  when  the  even  was  come,  he  sat 
down  with  the  twelve.  And  as  they  did  eat,  he  said,  Verily  I 
say  unto  you,  that  one  of  you  shall  betray  me.  And  they 
were  exceeding  sorrowful,  and  began  every  one  of  them  to  say 
unto  him,  Lord,  is  it  I  ?  And  he  answered  and  said,  He  that 
dippeth  his  hand  with  me  in  the  dish,  the  same  shall  betray 
me.  The  son  of  man  goeth,  as  it  is  written  of  him;  but  woe 
unto  that  man  by  whom  the  son  of  man  is  betrayed !  It  had 
been  good  for  that  man  if  he  had  not  been  born.  Then 
Judas,  which  betrayed  him,  answered  and  said,  Master,  is  it 
I?  He  said  unto  him,  Thou  hast  said. — Matt,  xxvi :  14-25. 
Then  cometh  Jesus  with  them  unto  a  place  called  Glethse- 
mane,  and  saith  unto  the  disciples,  Sit  ye  here,  while  I  go  and 
pray  yonder.  And  he  took  with  him  Peter  and  the  two  sons 
of  Zebedee,  and  began  to  be  sorrowful  and  very  heavy.  Then 
saith  he  unto  them,  My  soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto 
death  :  tarry  ye  here,  and  watch  with  me.  And  he  went  a 
little  further,  and  fell  on  his  face,  and  prayed,  saying,  0  my 
father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup  pass  from  me  ;  neverthe- 
less, not  as  I  will,  but  as  thou  wilt.  And  he  cometh  unto  the 
disciples,  and  findeth  them  asleep,  and  saith  unto  Peter, 
What !  could  ye  not  watch  with  me  one  hour  ?  Watch  and 
pray,  that  ye  enter  not  into  temptation  :  the  spirit  indeed  is 
willing,  but  the  flesh  is  weak.  He  went  away  again  the 
second  time,  and  prayed,  saying,  0  my  Father,  if  this  cup 
may  not  pass  away  from  me,  except  I  drink  it,  thy  will  be 
done.  And  he  came  and  found  them  asleep  again  ;  for  their 
eyes  were  heavy.  And  he  left  them,  and  went  away  again, 
and  prayed  the  third  time,  saying  the  same  words.  Then 
cometh  he  to  his  disciples,  and  saith  unto  them,  Sleep  on 
now,  and  take  your  rest:  behold  the  hour  is  at  hand,  and  the 
son  of  man  is  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners.  Rise,  let 
us  be  going  :  behold,  he  is  at  hand  that  doth  betray  me. 
And  while  he  yet  spake,  lo,  Judas,  one  of  the  twelve,  came, 
anol  with  him  a  great  multitude,  with  swords  and  staves,  from 
the  chief  priests  and  elders   of  the  people.     Now   he   that 


188  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR. 

betrayed  him  gave  them  a  sign,  saying,  Whomsoever  I  shall 
kiss,  that  same  is  he  :  hold  him  fast.  And  forthwith  he  came 
to  Jesus,  and  said,  Hail  Master;  and  kissed  him. — Matt. 
xxvi:  36-49. 

When  Pilate  saw  that  he  could  prevail  nothing,  but  that 
rather  a  tumult  was  made,  he  took  water,  and  washed  his 
hands  before  the  multitude,  saying,  I  am  innocent  of  the 
blood  of  this  just  person  ;  see  ye  to  it.  Then  answered  all 
the  people  and  said,  His  blood  be  upon  us,  and  our  children. 
Then  released  he  Barabbas  unto  them  :  and  when  he  had 
scourged  Jesus,  he  delivered  him  to  be  crucified.  Then  the 
soldiers  of  the  governor  took  Jesus  into  the  common  hall,  and 
gathered  unto  him  the  whole  band  of  soldiers.  And  they 
stripped  him,  and  put  on  him  a  scarlet  robe.  And  when  they 
had  platted  a  crown  of  thorns  they  put  it  upon  his  head,  and 
a  reed  in  his  right  hand  ;  and  they  bowed  the  knee  before 
him,  and  mocked  him,  saying,  Hail,  king  of  the  Jews  !  And 
they  spit  upon  him,  and  took  the  reed  and  smote  him  on  the 
head.  And  after  that  they  had  mocked  him,  they  took  the 
robe  off  from  him,  and  put  his  own  raiment  on  him,  and  led 
him  away  to  crucify  him.  And  as  they  came  out  they  found 
a  man  of  Cyrene,  Simon  by  name  :  him  they  compelled  to 
bear  his  cross.  # And  when  they  were  come  unto  a  place  called 
Golgotha,  that  is  to  say,  A  place  of  a  skull,  they  gave  him 
vinegar  to  drink,  mingled  with  gall ;  and  when  he  had  tasted 
thereof  he  would  not  drink.  And  they  crucified  him,  and 
parted  his  garments,  casting  lots :  that  it  might  be  fulfilled 
which  was  spoken  by  the  prophet,  They  parted  my  garments 
among  them,  and  upon  my  vesture  did  they  cast  lots.  And, 
sitting  down,  they  watched  him  there;  and  set  up  over  his 
head  his  accusation,  written,  THIS  IS  JESUS,  THE  KING 
OF  THE  JEWS.— Matt,  xxvii:  24-38. 


KNTOHTS     TEMPLAR* 


189 


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1 


2.  Break  off  your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  tell 

How  high  our  great  deliv'rer  reigns  ; 
Sing  how  he  spoil'd  the  hosts  of  hell, 
And  led  the  monster,  Death,  in  chains. 

3.  Say,  "  live  for  ever  glorious  King, 

Born  to  redeem,  and  strong  to  save," 
Then  ask — "  0  Death  !  where  is  thy  sting  V* 
"And  Where's  thy  victory  ?"  boasting  grave. 


' 


190  KNIGHTS   TEMPLAR, 

And  in  those  days  Peter  stood  up  in  the  midst  of  the  dis- 
ciples, and  said,  (the  number  of  the  names  together  were 
about  an  hundred  and  twenty,)  Men  and  brethren,  this  Scrip- 
ture must  needs  have  been  fulfilled,  which  the  Holy  Ghost  by 
the  mouth  of  David,  spake  before  concerning  Judas,  which 
was  guide  to  them  that  took  Jesus.  For  he  was  numbered 
with  us,  and  had  obtained  part  of  this  ministry.  Now  this 
man  purchased  a  field  with  the  reward  of  iniquity;  and  falling 
headlong  he  burst  asunder  in  the  midst,  and  all  his  bowels 
gushed  out.  And  it  was  known  unto  all  the  dwellers  at  Jeru- 
salem ;  insomuch  as  that  field  is  called,  in  their  proper  tongue, 
Aceldama,  that  is  to  say,  The  field  of  blood.  For  it  is  writ- 
ten in  the  book  of  Psalms,  Let  his  habitation  be  desolate, 
and  let  no  man  dwell  therein  :  and  his  bishopric  let  another 
take.  Wherefore,  of  these  men  which  have  companied  with 
us  all  the  time,  that  the  Lord  Jesus  went  in  and  out  among 
us,  beginning  from  the  baptism  of  John,  unto  that  same  day 
that  he  was  taken  up  from  us,  must  one  be  ordained  to  be 
a  witness  with  us  of  his  resurrection.  And  they  appointed 
two,  Joseph,  called  Barsabas,  who  was  surnamed  Justus,  and 
Matthias.  And  they  prayed,  and  said,  Thou,  Lord,  which 
knowest  the  hearts  of  all  men,  show  whether  of  these  two 
thou  hast  chosen,  that  he  may  take  part  of  this  ministry  and 
apostleship,  from  which  Judas  by  transgression  fell,  that  he 
might  go  to  his  own  place.  And  they  gave  forth  their  lots; 
and  the  lot  fell  upon  Matthias;  and  he  was  numbered  with 
the  eleven  apostles. — Acts  i:  15-26. 

Finally,  my  brethren,  be  strong  in  the  Lord,  and  in  the 
power  of  his  might.  Put  on  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye 
may  be  able  to  stand  against  the  wiles  of  the  devil.  For  we 
wrestle  not  against  flesh  and  blood,  but  against  principalities 
and  powers,  against  the  rulers  of  the  darkness  of  the  world, 
against  spiritual  wickedness  in  high  places.  Wherefore,  take 
unto  you  the  whole  armor  of  God,  that  ye  may  be  able  to  with- 
stand in  the  evil  day,  and  having  done  all,  to  stand.  Stand, 
therefore,  having  your  loins  girt  about  with  truth;  And 
having  on  the  breastplate  of  righteousness;  And  your  feet 
shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gospel  of  peace  ;  Above 
all,  taking  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  you  shall  be  able  to 
quench  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked  ;  And  take  the  helmet 
of  Salvation,  and  the  sword  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word 
of  God.— Ej>h.  vi.  10-17. 


KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

KNIGHTS    OF    MALTA 


The  following  passages  of  Scripture  are  occasionally  re- 
hearsed in  encampments  of  Knights  of  Malta. 

And  when  they  were  escaped,  then  they  knew  that  the 
island  was  called  Melita,  And  the  barbarous  people  showed 
us  no  little  kindness;  for  they  kindled  a  fire,  and  received  us 
every  one,  because  of  the  present  rain,  and  because  of  the 
cold.  And  when  Paul  had  gathered  a  bundle  of  sticks,  and 
laid  them  on  the  fire,  there  came  a  viper  out  of  the  heat,  and 
fastened  on  his  hand.  And  when  the  barbarians. saw  the 
venomous  beast  hang  on  his  hand,  they  said  among  them- 
selves, No  doubt  this  man  is  a  murderer,  whom,  though  he 
hath  escaped  the  sea,  yet  vengeance  suffereth  not  to  live. 
And  he  shook  off  the  beast  into  the  fire,  and  felt  no  harm. 
Howbeit  they  looked  when  he  should  have  swollen,  or  fallen 
down  dead  suddenly;  but  after  they  had  looked  a  great  while, 
and  saw  no  harm  come  to  him,  they  changed  their  minds, 
and  said  that  he  was  a  god. — Acts  xxviii:  1-6. 

And  Pilate  wrote  a  title,  and  put  it  on  the  cross.  And 
the  writing  was,  JESUS  OP  NAZARETH,  THE  KIN£ 
OF  THE  JEWS.— St.  John  xix:  19. 

But  Thomas,  one  of  the  twelve,  called  Didymus,  was  not 
with  them  when  Jesus  came.  The  other  disciples,  therefore, 
said  unto  him,  We  have  seen  the  Lord.  But  he  said  unto 
them,  Except  I  shall  see  in  his  hands  the  print  of  the  nails, 
and  put  my  finger  into  the  print  of  the  nails,  and  thrust  my 
hand  into  his  side,  I  will  not  believe.  And  after  eight  days, 
again  his  disciples  were  within,  and  Thomas  with  them.  Then 
came  Jesus,  the  doors  being  shut,  and  stood  in  the  midst,  and 

(191) 


19*2  KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 

said,  Peace  be  unto  you.  Then  said  he  to  Thomas,  "Reach 
hither  thy  finger,  and  behold  my  hands  ;  and  reach  hither 
thy  hand,  and  thrust  it  into  my  side;  and  be  not  faithless, 
but  believing.  And  Thomas  answered  and  said  unto  him, 
My  Lord  and  my  God. — John  xx :  24-28. 

CHARGE    TO   A   NEWLY    CREATED    SIR    KNIGHT    TEMPLAR    AND 
KNIGHT  OE  MALTA.1 

Sir  Knight: — Having  passed  through  the  several  degrees 
and  honorary  distinctions  of  our  ancient  and  honorable  insti- 
tution— in  your  admission  to  the  tesselated  Masonic  ground 
floor — your  ascent  into  the  middle  chamber — your  entrance 
to  the  unlinished  sanctum  sanctorum — your  regularly  passing 
the  several  gates  of  the  temple — induction  to  the  oriental 
chair,  witnessing  the  completion  and  dedication  of  that  superb 
model  of  excellence,- the  Temple,  which  has  immortalized  the 
names  of  our  ancient  Grand  Masters,  and  the  justly  celebrated 
craftsmen  : — Having  wrought  in  the  ruins  of  the  first  Temple, 
and  from  its  sacred  Royal  Arch  brought  to  light  incalculable 
treasures  and  advantages  to  the  Craft — Having  duly  studied 
into  the  way  and  manner  of  their  concealment;  also  having 
been  engaged  in  the  hazardous  enterprise  of  traversing  an 
enemy's  dominions,  and  there  convincing  a  foreign  prince 
that  truth  is  great  and  will  prevail — therefore  you  are  now 
admitted  to  a  participation  of  those  labors  which  are  to  effect 
the  erection  of  a  Temple  more  glorious  than  the  first,  even 
that  beauteous  Temple  of  Holiness  and  Innocence,  whose  pillars 
are  Charity,  Mercy  and  Justice,  the  foundation  of  which  is  in 
the  breast  of  every  one,  who  has  tasted  that  the  Lord  is  gra- 
cious;  to  whom  coming  as  unto  a  living  stone,  disallowed 
indeed  of  men,  but  chosen  of  God  and  precious,  even  that 
hope  which  is  an  anchor  to  the  soul  both  sure  and  steadfast, 
that  demonstrates  the  existence  of  the  soul,  and  animates  us 
with  the  certainty  of  a  glorious  immortality. 

And  now,  Sir  Knight,  we  bid  you  welcome  to  all  those 
rights  and  privileges,  even  to  that  disinterested  friendship, 
and  unbounded  hospitality  which  ever  has,  and  we  hope  and 
trust  ever  will  continue  to  adorn,  distinguish,  and  characterize 
this  noble  Order. 

1  This  charge  is  from  a  later  author ;  there  was  none  in  the  Monitor. 
It  is  taken  from  Cross. 


KNIGHTS  OP  MALTA.  193 

It  will  henceforth  become  your  duty  as  well  as  inclination, 
to  assist,  protect,  and  befriend,  the  weary  way-worn  traveler, 
who  finds  the  hights  of  fortune  inaccessible,  and  the  thorny 
paths  of  life  broken,  adverse,  and  forlorn;  to  succor,  defend, 
and  protect  innocence,  the  distressed,  and  helpless,  ever  stand- 
ing forth  as  a  champion  to  espouse  the  cause  of  the  Christian 
Religion. 

You  are  to  inculcate,  enforce,  and  practice  virtue;  and 
amid  all  the  temptations  which  surround  you,  never  to  be 
drawn  aside  from  the  path  of  duty,  or  forgetful  of  those  due 
guards  and  passwords  which  are  necessary  to  be  had  in  per- 
petual remembrance;  and  while  one  hand  is  wielding  the  sure 
defense  for  your  Companion  in  danger,  let  the  other  grasp 
the  mystic  Trowel,  and  widely  diffuse  the  genuine  cement  of 
Brotherly  Love  and  Friendship. 

Should  calumny  assail  the  character  of  a  Brother  Sir  Knight, 
recollect  that  you  are  to  step  forth  and  vindicate  his  good 
name,  and  assist  him  on  all  necessary  occasions.  Should 
assailants  ever  attempt  your  honor,  interest,  or  happiness, 
remember,  also,  at  the  same  time,  you  have  the  counsel  and 
support  of  your  Brethren,  whose  mystic  swords,  combining  the 
virtues  of  Faith,  Hope,  and  Charity,  with  Justice,  Fortitude 
and  Mercy,  will  leap  from  their  scabbards  in  defense  of  your 
just  rights,  and  insure  you  a  glorious  triumph  over  all  your 
enemies. 

On  this  occasion  permit  me,  Sir  Knight,  to  remind  you  of 
our  mutual  engagements,  our  reciprocal  ties;  for  whatever 
may  be  your  situation  or  rank  in  life,  on  close  examination, 
you  will  find  those  in  similar  stations,  who  have  dignified 
themselves  and  been  useful  to  mankind.  Whether,  therefore, 
you  are  placed  upon  the  highest  pinnacle  of  worldly  grandeur, 
and  distinctly  seen  to  glitter  from  afar;  or  glide  more  securely 
in  the  humble  vale  of  obscurity,  unnoticed  save  by  a  few;  it 
matters  not,  for  a  few  rolling  suns  will  close  the  scene, 
when  naught  but  holiness  will  serve  as  a  sure  password  to 
gain  admission  into  that  Rest  prepared  from  the  foundation 
of  the  world.  You  are  therefore  called  upon  to  discharge  all 
your  duties  with  fidelity  and  patience,  whether  in  the  field,  in 
the  Senate,  on  the  Bench,  at  the  Bar,  or  at  the  Holy  Altar. 

If  you  see  a  Brother  bending  under  the  cross  of  adversity 
and  disappointment,  look  not  idly  on,  neither  pass  by  on  the 
other  side,  but  fly  to  his  relief.  If  he  be  deceived,  tell  him 
17 


194  KNIGHTS  OF  MALTA. 

the  Truth;  if  lie  be  calumniated*  vindicate  his  cause;  for, 
although  in  some  instances,  he  may  have  erred,  still  recollect 
that  indiscretion  in  him  should  never  destroy  humanity  in 
you. 

Finally,  Sir  Knights,  as  memento  mori  is  deeply  engraved 
on  all  sublunary  enjoyments,  let  us  ever  be  found  in  the 
habiliments  of  righteousness,  traversing  the  straight  path  of 
rectitude,  virtue,  and  true  holiness;  so  that  having  discharged 
our  duty  here  below,  performed  the  pilgrimage  of  life,  burst 
the  bands  of  mortality,  passed  over  the  Jordan  of  death,  and 
safely  landed  on  the  broad  shore  of  eternity — there,  in  the 
presence  of  myriads  of  attending  angels,  we  may  be  greeted 
as  brethren,  and  received  into  the  widely-extended  arms  of 
the  blessed  Immanuel,  and  forever  made  to  participate  in 
his  Heavenly  Kingdom.1 

1  There  is  no  form  of  constituting  Encampments  and  installing  officerg 
in  the  Monitor,  and  we  can  not  use  those  in  other  authors  without  a 
violation  of  copyright. 


CATALOGUE 

OF 

JOHN  SHERER'S  MASONIC  PUBLICATIONS. 


1 .— SHEBEE'S  MASONIC  OAEPETS. 

These  are  of  three  styles.  The  first  is  a  Master's 
Carpet,  6  by  6J  feet,  finished  in  map  style,  molding  at 
top  with  roller  at  bottom,  presenting  the  emblems  of 
the  three  degrees  in  rich  colors.  The  second  style  is 
3  by  4  feet,  finished  in  a  similar  manner,  containing 
all  the  emblems  of  the  three  degrees,  arranged  in  three 
departments — one  department  being  devoted  to  the 
emblems  of  E.  A.,  one  to  those  of  F.  C,  and  one  to 
those  of  M.  M.  The  third  style  presents  the  emblems 
of  the  Lodge,  Chapter,  and  Council  degrees,  arranged  in 
departments — one  being  devoted  to  the  representation 
of  the  emblems  of  each  body.  This  latter  style  is 
mapped  like  the  others,  and  of  the  largest  size. 

Official  recommendations  of  the  highest  character 
have  been  given  in  favor  of  these  Carpets  by  the  Grand 
Lodges  and  Grand  Chapters  of  seven  Southern  and  five 
Western  States;  while  letters  of  recommendation,  too 
numerous  to  recapitulate,  from  leading  brethren  in 
other  States,  attest  the  uniform  satisfaction  these  works 
have  afforded  to  the  brethren  and  officers  of  the  lodges 
wherever  they  are  in  use.  The  price  of  either  style  is  $20. 


Z  MASONIC    PUBLICATIONS.       ? 

2 -SHEEEE'S  NEW  FELLOW-CEAFT  CHAET 

In  furnishing  a  lodge-room,  the  principal  expense 
heretofore  necessary  to  incur  has  been  the  pillars 
J.  and  B.,  and  in  most  of  our  country  lodge-rooms  they 
are,  from  the  extreme  cost  of  providing  them  of  a 
character  and  form  to  correspond  with  the  biblical 
description  of  them,  oftener  absent  than  present.  To 
remedy  this  has  been  the  object  of  the  invention  of  the 
New  Fellow-Craft  Chart.  Upon  either  side  of  this 
Chart  are  represented,  six  feet  high  and  of  suitable 
proportions,  the  pillars  of  the  Porch,  drawn  and  painted 
in  a  manner  at  once  artistic  and  correct.  So  faithfully 
are  these  pillars  represented  from  the  description  of 
them  to  be  found  in  Holy  Writ,  that  to  produce  copies 
of  them  in  any  material  upon  which  they  might  be 
carved  would  cost  not  less  than  $300.  The  artist  has 
evidently  studied  their  description  with  an  abiding 
sense  of  their  beauty;  for  in  his  display  of  the  chapiters, 
and  portrayal  of  their  net-work,  lily-work,  and  pome- 
granates, as  also  their  surmounting  globes  and  support- 
ing capitals,  shafts  and  pedestals,  those  columns  are  at 
once  the  most  faithful  rendering  of  the  original  record 
and  most  beautiful  evidence  of  artistic  genius  and 
arrangement  of  them  ever  yet  beheld. 

Between  those  pillars  is  portrayed  an  outer  view  of 
the  middle  chamber  upon  a  scale  so  large  that  the  three 
human  figures  introduced,  although  well  advanced  in 
the  perspective,  are  ten  inches  high  and  of  suitable 
proportions.  This  view  of  the  M.  C.  occupies  the  full 
space  between  the  pillars — a  space  about  three  feet  wide 
by  six  feet  high.  Kising  from  the  immediate  fore- 
ground appear  the  three  steps  indicative  of  the  threo 
stages  of  human  life,  each  riser  of  which  bears  upon  its 


MASONIC    PUBLICATIONS.  6 

front  one  of  the  working-tools  of  a  F.  C.  The  broad 
tread  of  the  uppermost  is  lapped  by  the  lowest  of  the 
succeeding  five  steps,  surmounted  by  the  other  four  in 
proper  perspective,  each  bearing  upon  its  riser,  in  plain 
lettering,  the  name  of  its  appropriate  sense  and  order 
of  architecture;  while,  in  their  turn,  those  are  sur- 
mounted by  the  seven  steps,  each  bearing  upon  its  riser 
the  name  of  that  science  of  which  it  is  indicative. 
Upon  the  highest,  or  fifteenth  step,  stands  the  S.  D. 
and  the  newly-made  F.  C,  the  former  in  the  act  of 
addressing  the  J.  "W.,  while  in  the  gable  of  the  porch, 
immediately  above  the  head  of  that  ofiicer,  is  figured, 
as  if  carved  in  the  face  of  the  solid  stone,  the  scene  at 
the  ford,  to  which  reference  is  about  to  be  made  in 
the  colloquy  which  follows.  So  beautifully  rendered  is 
every  thing  represented  upon  this  Chart,  and  so  large 
and  consequently  attractive  is  the  scale  upon  which  it 
is  drawn,  that  the  mind  of  the  candidate  must  be 
riveted  upon  this  work  as  upon  a  beautiful  painting 
which  is  being  explained  to  him;  while  the  assistance 
it  affords  to  the  S.  D.  in  aiding  his  memory  to  master 
the  lengthy  and  intricate  explanations  of  the  emblems 
represented,  is  such  that  it  must  be  once  experienced 
before  it  can  by  that  ofiicer  be  appreciated.  The  price 
of  this  work  is  $20.  It  is  finished  in  map  form,  with 
molding  at  the  top  and  roller  at  the  bottom.  In  use 
it  should  be  suspended  from  some  style  of  suitable 
support. 

For  the  use  of  such  lodges  as  are  already  provided 
with  pillars,  the  center  portion  of  this  work  is  mapped 
by  itself  and  exclusive  of  the  views  of  the  pillars,  and 
sold  at  $15. 

For  such  lodges  as  can  not  afford  to  buy  the  complete 
work,  the  pillars  alone  are  mapped  singly.     They  can 


4  MASONIC    PUBLICATIONS. 

be  hung  upon  triangular  board  upright  stands  of  suit- 
able height,  and  convey  to  the  eye  of  the  candidate  a 
much  more  vivid  idea  of  the  original  than  wooden 
pillars  of  three  times  their  cost.  They  are  sold  at  $15 
for  the  two. 


3 -THE  ELOOE  CLOTH; 

Or,  Carpet  of  the  Middle  Chamber.  —  This  work  is 
painted  in  oil-colors  upon  canvas,  and  is  divided  into 
three  parts.  It  is  intended  to  be  placed  flat  upon  the 
floor  of  the  lodge-room,  and  walked  over  by  the  S.  D. 
and  newly-obligated  F.  C,  while  the  former  is  explain- 
ing the  second  section  of  that  degree  to  the  latter.  The 
price  of  this  work  varies  from  $30  to  $40,  and  to  $50, 
according  to  the  labor  expended  in  its  production. 


4 -SHEEEE'S  MASONIC!  TEACING-BOAED. 

This  is  a  collection  of  the  emblems  of  the  three 
degrees  of  the  Lodge,  bound  in  a  volume ;  each  degree 
occupying  one  plate  or  page,  20  by  26  inches.  These 
plates  are  printed  from  the  finest  lithographic  draw- 
ings, in  colors,  and  upon  the  best  plate-paper.  The 
correctness  of  their  symbolism  has  been  vouched  for  by 
a  large  number  of  the  most  intelligent  of  our  brethren. 
The  magnificent  engravings,  "Jerusalem  as  besieged  by 
Titus,"  and  "King  Solomon's  Temple,"  form  appropriate 
front  and  after -pieces  to  the  emblems  of  the  degrees. 
The  price  of  this  work,  which  can  be  used  by  the  W.  M. 
more  readily  than  the  large  carpet,  is  $20. 


MASONIC   PUBLICATIONS.  5 

5.-SHERER'S  MASONIC  DEGREE  BOOK 
Of  Ancient  Craft  Masonry.  —  This  is  a  volume  of 
sixteen  plates,  each  18  by  22  inches,  to  which  are  added, 
as  the  front  and  after-pieces,  "Jerusalem  as  besieged  by 
Titus,"  and  "King  Solomon's  Temple."  The  whole, 
strongly  and  handsomely  bound,  is  inclosed  for  safe 
keeping  in  a  neat  walnut  case,  made  especially  for  it, 
with  lock  and  key.  This  is  the  most  satisfactory  work 
that  a  lodge  can  purchase  for  the  use  of  its  Master,  in 
exemplifying  the  different  degrees,  as  the  emblems  are 
arranged  as  they  occur,  in  sections,  one  full  page  being 
devoted  to  the.  emblems  of  each  section.  The  plates 
are  brilliantly  colored,  and  in  this  manner  they  are 
rendered  very  conspicuous,  while  the  mind  of  the  can- 
didate is  not  confused  with  the  endeavor  to  grasp  a 
knowledge  of  that  which  does  not  immediately  apper- 
tain to  the  subject  under  explanation.  The  price  of 
this  work  is  $25,  including  the  box  which  contains  it, 
and  in  which  it  may  be  carefully  and  cleanly  kept  when 
not  in  use.  A  suitable  walnut  stand,  upon  which  it 
should  rest  while  in  use,  can  be  furnished  with  it  for 
14.50  additional. 


6. -THE  MASONIC  LADDER; 
Or,  the  Nine  Steps  to  Ancient  Freemasonry;  being 
a  practical  exhibit  in  prose  and  verse  of  the  moral 
precepts,  scriptural  instructions,  traditions  and  allego- 
ries of  the  degrees  of  the  Lodge,  Chapter,  and  Council. 
This  is  quite  a  new  book,  and  affords  great  satisfaction 
to  the  initiated  reader.  It  is  a  volume  of  268  pp.,  and 
put  at  the  low  price  of  $1.50.  It  should  be  in  the 
hands  of  every  brother,  calculated  as  it  is  to  refresh  his 
memorv  and  keen  him  bright  in  the  work  and  lectures. 


6  MASONIC   PUBLICATIONS. 

7. -GEMS  OP  MASONRY. 
This  is  an  illustrated  volume  of  some  64  pages, 
containing  historical  and  scriptural  references  to  the 
emblems  of  the  first  seven  degrees.  By  its  aid  any 
brother  can  take  a  keen  interest  in  recalling  to  memory 
what  he  has  seen  in  the  work  of  those  degrees,  and  the 
W.  M.  is  enabled  to  store  his  mind  with  refreshing 
knowledge  suitable  and  indeed  necessary  for  his  office. 
The  price  is  but  $1,  post-paid  to  any  part  of  the  U.  S. 
or  Canada. 


8. -WEBB'S  FREEMASON'S  MONITOR. 

This  book  is  an  exact  copy  of  the  edition  of  1816,  as 
to  language,  with  the  improvements  of  illustration  and 
notes  necessary  to  make  it  a  useful  book  at  the  present 
day.  Being  the  oldest  Monitor  in  America,  "Webb's 
work  has  been  the  parent  and  fount  of  information 
from  whence  has  been  derived  all  the  Masonic  hand- 
books in  the  United  States.     Price  $1. 


9. -VIEW  OF  JERUSALEM  AS  BESIEGED  BY  TITUS. 

This  is  a  magnificent  chromo-lithograph,  printed  in 
the  best  style  of  the  art.  It  has  been  pronounced  a 
most  remarkable  work,  and  one  upon  which  the  eye 
of  every  Freemason  will  repose  with  interest.  For  a 
parlor  ornament  it  is  very  appropriate,  while  for  a 
lodge,  nothing  is  more  so.  The  price  is  $2,  except  to 
clubs  of  five  or  more,  to  whom  it  will  be  put  at  $1.50 
to  each. 


MASONIC    PUBLICATIONS.  7 

10. -VIEW  OP  SOLOMON'S  TEMPLE. 

This  work  was  engraved  at  Boston,  Mass.,  upon  two 
steel  plates,  from  the  celebrated  design  of  Chancellor 
Schott,  of  Hamburg,  at  a  cost  exceeding  two  thousand 
dollars.  Nothing  but  an  examination  will  afford  a 
sufficient  idea  of  the  fund  of  instruction  embodied  in 
this  work.  The  border  designs,  of  which  there  are 
eight;  the  drawings  subsidiary,  of  which  there  are  four, 
and  the  scriptural  and  historical  passages  thickly  inter- 
spersed, make  it  a  perfect  cyclopedia  of  the  subject. 
The  size  of  the  plate  is  24  by  42  inches,  and  the  price 
is,  for  plain  prints,  $2,  and  for  colored,  $3  each.  Where 
clubs  of  five  or  more  unite,  the  prices  will  be  $1.50  for 
plain,  and  $2.50  for  colored  copies. 


11. -MASTER  MASON'S  DIPLOMA. 

This  is  by  far  the  most  appropriate  and  elegant 
Diploma  ever  issued;  it  is  universally  admired,  and 
graces  many  a  brother's  parlor.  In  size  it  is  20  by  27 
inches.  It  is  printed  in  tint  on  heavy  plate-paper,  for 
framing. 

The  design  is  that  of  the  Form,  Support,  and  Covering 
of  the  Lodge.  The  view  from  the  south  displays  the 
Pillar  of  Beauty  in  majestic  proportions ;  those  of 
Wisdom  and  Strength  being  in  perspective.  Jacob, 
peacefully  slumbering  on  his  mystic  pillow,  lies  at  the 
foot  of  the  Celestial  Ladder,  along  which  angels  pass 
and  repass  on  errands  of  mercy.  The  heavenly  bodies 
are  in  their  appointed  places.  The  surrounding  objects 
are  such  as  are  appropriate  to  oriental  climes.  The 
whole  constituting  a  splendid  picture.  At  the  foot  of 
each   pillar   are   seen   the  Jewels   of  the   Master   and 


8  MASONIC    PUBLICATIONS. 

"Wardens  respectively.  Below  it  is  appended  the  proper 
form  of  Diploma,  having  blanks  for  names,  dates,  etc., 
and  for  the  lodge  seal  and  photograph  of  the  owner. 
Every  Master  Mason  should  have  this  Diploma.  Price 
$2  per  copy.  The  same  design,  on  a  scale  of  13  by  18 
inches,  is  furnished  for  SI. 50.  Orders  from  Secretaries 
and  Tylers  filled  at  reduced  rates 


THE  PKEEMASOFS  M0NIT0K, 

By  Thomas  Smith  "Webb,  with  notes  and  running 
comment  by  Eob  Morris.  This  edition  of  the  old  and 
standard  author,  whose  production  has  so  long  main- 
tained its  place  in  public  favor  amid  the  competition 
of  nearly  a  score  of  imitations,  is  rendered  immensely 
more  valuable  by  the  learning  and  experience  of  the 
present  Editor.  Mr.  Morris  has  brought  all  his  knowl- 
edge of  Masonic  law  and  usage  to  bear  in  making  this 
work  an  indispensable  aid  to  Masters,  Wardens,  and 
Brethren  throughout  the  great  Fraternity. 

All  these  publications,  whether  carpets,  plates,  books, 
or  diplomas,  will  be  forwarded  by  express  or  otherwise, 
as  ordered,  to  any  part  of  the  United  States  or  Canada. 
The  trade  supplied  on  usual  terms. 

Address, 

JOHN  SHEEEE. 

Cincinnati,   Ohio. 


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INDIANA  46962 


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